THE PRUNING OF FRUIT TREES 327 



the end of the severed stem must not be left rough and jagged. 

 It should be cut smooth with the pruning knife, or with a mallet 

 and a sharp chisel. 



Diagram 56 will help the reader to understand the methods 

 to be adopted hi pruning. In the case of young apple-trees of, 

 say, three years' growth it is advisable to shorten the branches 

 rigorously, cutting them all back to within fifteen inches of the 

 stem. If the roots are in good order a free growth will result, and 

 plenty of fruit buds will be formed. This method of pruning will 

 produce the framework of a shapely standard. In the following 

 year the number of branches will be doubled, and the cutting 

 back may be repeated, though it should not be done so low down 

 as in the first instance. II! the tips six or eight inches long are 

 cut back, two or three growths will form near the end, and blossom 

 buds appear on the part below. The number of branches will 

 thus be increased, and the production of fruit buds be induced by 

 the same operation. 



In the case of an older tree the chief point to bear in mind is 

 that the growth of the past season must be shortened. This 

 should be done according to the strength of the shoots : strong 

 ones cut back one-third of their length, weaker shoots to a half 

 or two thirds, and very weak ones back to two or three buds. All 

 decayed, cankered or dead wood must be ruthlessly removed. 

 The young wood should be encouraged, and the spent branches 

 cut out. This will have the effect of admitting a free circulation 

 of ah- and sunshine to the centre of the tree. 



These rules apply generally to all fruit trees, but it should be 

 noted that stone fruits resent too severe pruning. In their case 

 the work should be done as early as possible hi the winter. 



Not infrequently is it found that despite careful attention to 

 proper methods of planting and branch pruning, young fruit trees 

 make an abundance of growth, but bear very little fruit. The 

 trees have, perhaps, been well manured over-manured, in fact 

 and the rich soil has induced a too vigorous growth. Long stems 

 and plenty of leaves are produced readily. But it has been for- 

 gotten that along with this process above the ground another, 



