152 PEACa CULTURE* 



and extension of what has already been done. It is proper 

 to add that the lateral branches must be gradually in- 

 clined downward until they reach the position they are 

 intended to occupy, which may be fan-shaped or hori- 

 zontal, at the option of the proprietor. For ourselves, 

 we prefer the fan-shaped, as being nearer the natural posi- 

 tion, and, therefore, best, (fig. 24). 



In this elaborate culture, it will be observed that the 

 extension of the main stem, as well as the branches, is by 



Fig. 24. TRAINING COMPLETE. 



regular annual stages. It is tedious, and somewhat la- 

 borious, and the inexperienced may ask Why not let the 

 tree take its natural course, and attain its size as soon as 

 may be ? The reason has been already intimated. It is, 

 that the flow of sap, being constantly upward, would give 

 a preponderating size, strength and fruitfulness to a few 

 main branches, while all the others would be correspond- 

 ingly reduced, weakened and sterilized ; while the object 

 of the training is to make every part fruitful. And these 

 stages in the growth greatly tend to this, as a moment's 



