82 PEACH CULTURE. 



ever blown down, or even injured by ordinary storms, and 

 as to tornadoes or hurricanes, low heads give no protec- 

 tion. It is admitted the fruit can be more easily gathered 

 from low than high trees ; but this advantage is but 

 slight, and no adequate compensation for what is lost. 



The character of the head is formed the first year, and 

 it will need but little attention thereafter. The trimming 

 directed for June, however, should be repeated about the 

 last of August. If well done on those two occasions, all 

 that will be necessary in subsequent years will be to cut 

 out dead and broken branches. Peach trees do not form 

 close, compact heads, like apples and pears ; and, conse- 

 quently, do not need thinning. 



CUTTING-IK 



Some maintain that the peach tree should be cut-in an- 

 nually. This is done by cutting off about one-half of 

 each year's growth the same season, or early the next 

 spring. When the sap reaches this point, it is, of course, 

 checked, and sends out several new branches, instead of 

 following the old one, as it would have done, had not that 

 been cut in. In this way, more bearing wood is pro- 

 duced nearer the main stem and nearer the ground. We 

 believe it is an advantage ; and, in the case of young 

 trees, may do very well ; but when the trees attain full 

 size, it would require much labor, and be attended with 

 considerable expense ; and, taking into view the fact, that 

 the trees hardly ever bear three years in succession, it is 

 believed that cutting-in would not pay. For garden cul- 

 ture, or even small orchards, it may be adopted; but 

 when trees are counted by thousands, and tens of thou- 

 sands, few will find it convenient or profitable. There is 

 still another advantage claimed for cutting-in, and which 

 we do not wish to undervalue. It is, that it invigorates 

 and prolongs the life of the tree. We think this is so, 



