59 



branches during the summer weakens growth, but when a portion of 

 the branches are removed after growth is completed, the roots, not 

 having been disturbed, will have the preponderance, and the number of 

 buds being diminished, those that are left will receive increased vigor. 



It should never be forgotten that there is nothing more certain than 

 that by shortening in or pruning back the ends of shoots, either in sum- 

 mer or winter, the fruit-producing period is retarded and the fruit- 

 producing capabilities of the trees abridged. Fruiting spurs will not 

 form where the growths are constantly interrupted and excited by 

 pruning; but after the third or fourth year, young shoots will, in the 

 majority of cases, become covered with fruiting spurs the second year 

 after their formation, if left to their natural mode and condition of 

 growth. Of course this refers to trees in soils of moderate fertility, 

 grown in a climate favorable to the plant. 



The only pruning then that is really essential after the plant has be- 

 come established will be confined to thinning out crowded branches ; 

 and this forms the second exigency for pruning. If low-headed trees 

 are preferred, those branches that have become destitute of fruiting 

 spurs near the body of the tree may be cut out and a young shoot be 

 allowed to take the place of the one removed. There will be no lack of 

 young shoots for this purpose, as they will be reproduced from the base 

 of the cut branch, selecting the strongest and best placed to occupy the 

 vacancy, if such occupany is desired. This mode of cutting back 

 branches will be more particularly essential in the case of dwarf pears, 

 as the quince roots are unable to support a tall, heavy-headed tree, but 

 in all other respects dwarf pears should be treated the same as standards. 



INFLUENCE OF STOCKS ON GJROWTH AND QUALITY OF FRUIT. 



In comparing remarks and observations made by different cultivators 

 with reference to the merits of varieties, their growth, productiveness, 

 size, and quality of fruit, arid other characteristics, there is found so 

 great a disparity as to lead to a supposition that different varieties are 

 being discussed under the same name. No doubt this is occasionally 

 the case, but the difference caused by the influence of the stock upon 

 which they are worked is frequently to blame for these discrepancies. 

 Every nurseryman is aware of the great irregularity of growth in plants 

 of the same variety ; they may have been grafted at the same time on 

 stocks of equal size, planted on the same day and in the same soil, yet 

 their comparative growths will vary considerably ; so much difference 

 exists that the plants will be classed into two or more sizes and held at 

 different valuations. Although the vigor of growth is thus varied, the 

 habit of the variety is not changed, the upright form of growth will still 

 characterize the Buffum, and the spreading habit of the Kostiezer will 

 remain with each individual of that variety ; but in a plantation of fifty 

 of any sort there will be some weak growers and an occasional speci- 



