140 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



restriction the spurs should be severely thinned, so as to secure stouter blossoms, a 

 surer setting of the fruits, with larger leaves, and the concentration of energy on fewer 

 parts. "When a tree gets into the condition of enfeeblement shown (Fig. 38, page 139) 

 on the left hand above the bars, it is advisable to thin the branches, cutting them back 

 to strengthen the parts left, and induce growths from latent buds. One of the 

 resultant growths should be taken forward as a continuation of each branch, disbudding 

 or stopping the others for converting them into spurs. The spurs also on the parts of 

 the branches left must be shortened and thinned, as shown in the lower six branches on 

 the left hand of the tree ; the upper part on the same side represents the crowded 

 condition of the branches, and the bars indicate those to be shortened or cut out. This 

 will result in freer growth and finer fruit, especially if the old soil be removed from over 

 and amongst the roots, and a supply of fresh added in place of it, or the soil may be 

 enriched by rather thick liquid manure applied in winter. 



The right side of the tree shows a crowded state of the branches, not due to 

 stuntedness, but to absolute neglect in thinning, the growths being somewhat long and 

 the spurs not crowded, yet fruitless, for lack of air and light. The branches in such 

 cases should be thinned, as indicated by the bars, but not shortened. If the spurs are 

 closely placed on the branches they should be thinned to about a hand-breadth apart ; 

 then a branch so denuded of side growths (that are worse than useless) will resemble the 

 lowest branch on the right hand of the figure. Beyond the thinning of the branches 

 and spurs a vigorous tree should only be pruned to the extent of shortening irregu- 

 larities so as to preserve its symmetry. If those manipulations do not induce fruitful- 

 ness, a trdnch must be made about the same distance from the stem that the branches 

 of a pyramid or bush tree extend, detaching the roots as indicated by the outline ; also 

 shorten the strong roots a foot or more (see bars), leaving the fibres intact inside the 

 trench, and cutting through any straight-down roots within 18 inches of the surface. This 

 is best done in the autumn, filling in the trench firmly, and encouraging surface roots by 

 a light mulching of lumpy manure from the stem to the outside of the branches. By 

 the means described enfeebled trees may be restored to a healthy profitable bearing 

 condition, whilst those which have a tendency to produce timber instead of fruit may 

 have their vigour subdued and consequently be rendered more productive. 



Manuring. Under " Applying Manures," Vol. I., pages 51 56, special reference is 

 made to this subject. Pears require similar nutrient elements to apple trees, but are 

 more exacting of potash and phosphoric acid, also lime. The pear, however, succeeds 



