PEACHES AND NECTARINES FAN TRAINING. 



75 



wood of the preceding year, bearing shoots (p) are reserved, about 12 to 15 inches 

 asunder, the back and fore-right shoots being rubbed off. The extension growths need 

 not be stopped, but the bearing shoots should be pinched at 12 to 15 inches, and the 

 laterals that issue from them or the extensions must be pinched to one joint as made. 

 At the winter pruning the laterals (q) should be cut away to sound wood, and those (r) 

 on the extensions cut off close to their base. The four upper branches merely require 

 shortening about one-third to cause them to push strongly at the right place. The 

 necessary pruning is indicated by the bars. 



The tree portrayed in Fig. 19 has arrived at a fruiting age in the fourth year of 



Fig. 19. FAN-TRAINED PEACH TREE IN FRUIT. 



References: F, four-years-trained tree left hand, tree in summer; right hand, tree leafless : s, fruit borne on 

 previous year's extension wood ; t, fruit produced on side shoots ; w, growths above the fruit ; v, basal shoots to 

 supplant those fruiting ; 10, bearing shoots from previous year's extensions; ^continuations; y, subsidiary shoots 

 z, shoots originated by cutting back in early spring. 



training. The tendency to produce laterals on the current year's growths without 

 shortening them has departed, because the sap is concentrated on the formation of 

 blossom instead of wood buds. Laterals are the result of superabundant sap, and the 

 cause of their undue production is over-luxuriance too rich and loose soil, and severe 

 manipulations. To secure a sturdy growth, neither too strong nor too weak, comprises 

 the whole art of fruit production. To prevent excessive growth, lifting and bringing the 

 roots within 5 or 6 inches of the surface is often necessary to induce a fruitful habit in 

 young trees. When the centre of the tree has been filled up, all the training necessary is 



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