Principles and Practice of Pruning. 85 



but prune down to an outside bud where a more horizontal or spread- 

 ing growth is sought, as, for instance, in such vertical growers as 

 the Northern Spy and Early Strawberry apple trees. 



Pruning Young Apple-Trees. Directions have been already 

 given in relation to forming a high or low top. In consequence of 

 the crowded growth of nursery-trees, they are apt to push upward to 

 reach the light, at the expense of the side-branches. In addition to 

 this influence, being closely trimmed on the sides to make them tall, 

 such mismanaged trees assume the appearance of the annexed cut 

 (Fig. 1 08), and have been compared to a low-bowing dancing-master. 

 A better-shaped tree is shown in Fig. 109. As all nursery-trees 



Fig. 1 08. Nursery-tree pruned too high. Fig. 109. Well formed young tree. 



succeed better, are more sure to live, and are more vigorous and 

 make handsomer trees when set out quite young, or at not more 

 than two years from the bud or graft, the following diredlions apply 

 to such trees at the time of planting and immediately afterwards. 

 Three or four side shoots on the unformed tree (Figs, no and in) 

 should be at first selected, to form the main branches and to 

 constitute the foundation or framework of the future top (see Fig. 

 96). In order to secure a well formed and nicely balanced head, 

 these shoots must be frequently watched through the first summer 

 of growth, and if any of them are disposed to take the lead of the 

 others they should be pinched and checked to maintain an equality. 

 Two buds will be enough to grow on each of these shoots, making 

 eight at the end of the season, taking care that all are distributed at 



