118 



Elementary Principles of Agriculture 



leads to an unusual development of the branches, and 

 that such unusual growth does not favor the develop- 

 men of fruitfulness (][ 159). Practical experience has 

 long proven that the proper pruning of orchard trees 

 makes them fruitful and profitable. Pruning is not 

 merely removing so many branches or brush. The 

 pruning should be done at the place that will pro- 

 duce the desired result. Herein lies the value of an 

 understanding why and how pruning should be done. 



180. Pruning to Stimulate Growth. Sometimes a 

 plant or tree will cease to make the normal amount of 

 healthy growth. If such condition is not the result of 

 improper soil conditions, very severe pruning of the 

 branches may bring about a renewal of active growth. 

 Very old orchard trees are sometimes improved by a se- 

 vere pruning. Pruning of orchard trees or shade trees 

 may be overdone, producing such a shock that the plant 

 is weakened rather 



than stimulated. 



181. Pruning to 

 Hasten or Delay Ma- 

 turity. Pruning to 

 hasten maturity is sel- 

 dom practiced except 

 on nursery stock (re- 

 moving the leaves), 

 or on tobacco plants. 

 It is usual to remove 

 the seed -pods from 

 flowering plants, such 

 as sweet peas, etc., in 

 order to prolong the 



flowering period. The Fig. 61. An example of thinning. After Goff. 



