APPLICATION OF THE SYSTEM. 31 



Double or Forking Branches. In the case of a double 

 branch, or of a branch forking close to the trunk of 

 the tree, one of these branches (Fig. 25) should 

 always be removed, that the base of the branch may 

 not become disproportionately large. If, however, 

 such double branches are objectionable near the trunk 

 of the tree, they are of great importance at the extrem- 

 ities of main branches ; and whenever it is possible, 

 branches should be shortened in such a manner as to 

 secure forking branchlets at their ends. These give 

 to the tree a more natural appearance, and by divid- 

 ing the ftow of sap prevent the growth of too vigorous 

 shoots, which might in time develop into supplemen- 

 tary leaders, to the injury of the tree. For this 

 reason it is necessary to remove all branches or 

 branchlets assuming a vertical growth or inserted 

 on the upper side of a shortened branch, in order 

 to check the tendency of such branches to grow 

 too vigorously at the expense of the leader (Fig. 

 26). 



Although essential in pruning young trees, this is 

 less important in the case of older trees with large 

 full heads, which in themselves have a tendency to 

 check an unnaturally strong growth of any individual 

 branch ; and, in operating on old trees, the preserva- 

 tion of vigor in the shortened branch is the principal 

 object to be attained. It is almost unnecessary to add 

 that only main branches directed towards the outside 

 of the tree should be preserved, and that branches 

 which from any cause have turned back towards the 



