318 PRUNING THE APRICOT. 



an espalier. That they may be protected from the 

 wmter's sun, which is the cause of their injury, 

 straw, seaweed, or some other light material should 

 be shaken over them in so small a quantity as not 

 to afford shelter to mice ; or a second trellis may 

 be constructed over the first which shall be covered 

 with such materials, or with loose boards. 



The Apricot. This is trained by the espalier or 

 standard methods, in the same forms as those ap- 

 plied to the peach and nectarine. The standard is 

 always to be preferred where it is hardy. The 

 remarks of Mr. Loudon, in his " Encyclopedia of 

 Gardening," upon the pruning of the apricot, are 

 given at length. 



" The winter pruning should either be performed 

 at the fall of the leaf, or at mild intervals from that 

 time to the beginning of March " (in northern lat- 

 itudes just before the swelling of the bud). " If it 

 is deferred until the buds begin to swell, the prom- 

 ising shoots can be better distinguished. This 

 pruning comprehends a general regulation both of 

 the last year's shoots and of the older branches. 

 The apricot bears upon the wood of the previous 

 year, and upon spurs arising from that which is 

 older. 



" A general supply of the most regularly-placed 

 young shoots, must be everywhere retained for 

 successional bearers the ensuing year. Cut out 



