THE PRUNING OF FRUIT TREES 331 



summer, when growth is rampant, the buds may start into second- 

 ary growth and be spoiled. They are much more likely to remain 

 dormant if the pruning be deferred until August, when the flow 

 of the sap is less vigorous. 



Red and white currants should be thinned out after fruiting. 

 The new shoots may be reduced to half their length, and the low 

 branches which touch the ground be removed entirely. Goose- 

 berries may receive the same treatment, but black currants 

 require little pruning in summer. New basal shoots are thrown 

 out each season. If these are not being produced satisfactorily, 

 it may help them if the leading old shoots are cut down a little. 



