BUDDING, GRAFTING, ETC. 155 



shoots, cutting back may be unnecessary. The largest 

 of the side shoots may be pruned off wholly ; and the 

 smajl ones left to retain the sap in the lower part of the 

 stem, at least until midsummer, when new ones will have 

 been produced. There are certain stout-growing, branch- 

 ing varieties of all the fruits that require no shortening, 

 and very little pruning of any kind, to form stout trunks, 

 when not planted too close. 



Dwarf Standards. The management of yearling buds 

 to produce these, is similar to that described for standards, 

 varying it always to suit the particular habit of the spe- 

 cies or variety ; tall, slender-growing sorts require cutting 

 back, and the suppression of branches at the top ; but 

 many varieties of cherries and plums, some very stout- 

 growing pears and apples, and all apricots and peaches, 

 may commence the formation of heads this season. The 

 stem is cut at the point desired, two to three feet from the 

 ground, to form the head on ; and three or four of the 

 stoutest shoots, growing in opposite directions, are pre- 

 served, whilst all others, close to them, are pinched off 

 when two or three inches long ; side branches are allowed 

 to remain that season on the stem to strengthen it, but 

 they are kept short and regular by pinching. In the fall 

 these trees will be fit for the final planting out, whilst 

 those of weaker habit will require another season, if heads 

 are wanted. 



Pyramids. Yearling trees, intended for pyramids, are 

 cut back so far as to insure the production of vigorous 

 side branches within six or eight inchos of the stock. The 

 habits of growth of the species and variety must be care- 

 fully taken into account. Some are disposed, from the 

 beginning, to form lateral branches ; and others require 

 vigorous measures to force them to do so. As examples, 

 the Bloodgood pear is very much inclined to branch the 

 first year, whilst the Louise Bonne de Jersey and Duchess 

 d'Angouleme seldom do so, unless in some way the grow- 



