82 THE AMERICAN APPLE ORCHARD 



nature and the food supply will carry it. The opposite 

 method assumes that the natural spread of the top can 

 be profitably restricted by proper pruning. Necessarily 

 this second method comes into practice along with 

 close planting and other intensive measures adopted 

 by the unterrified progressives. It should never be 

 undertaken except by those who know just what they 

 are trying to do, who are determined to keep steadily 

 to their ideals, and who have sufficient reason for 

 adopting the riskier and more laborious method. 



If the tree is to be allowed its natural and unre- 

 stricted development, then the second stage of its life 

 from the formation of the head to its maturity is 

 comparatively uneventful. There is no pruning to be 

 done except to keep the head open. On the other hand 

 if the method of repressive pruning is to be adopted 

 this second stage becomes the most critical of all. 

 Heading back must be systematically practiced from 

 the beginning. It should never be remitted for a year 

 on any account. 



While it is manifestly impossible to reduce this 

 method of pruning to exact rules, the following 

 program, practiced with intelligence and good judg- 

 ment, will give good results. It has been carefully 

 tested by the writer. 



1. In the beginning be sure of the purpose and 

 method. Unless close planting has been adopted, close 

 pruning will not be necessary, nor advisable. Unless 

 reasonably intelligent labor can be commanded the 

 work is greatly handicapped. 



2. Pay strict attention the first year to the forma- 

 tion of the framework. This should consist of four 

 strong branches, symmetrically placed, no two leaving 

 the trunk .at the same height from the ground. If 



