The Buds. 93 



prevents rapid growth, but when abundant sunlight 

 and fully-expanded foliage favor food formation (59). 



We may infer, therefore, that treatment that favors 

 the accumulation of reserve food promotes the forma- 

 tion of flower-buds, a proposition that is borne out by 

 the experience of practical cultivators. 



135. How can we Promote the Accumulation of 

 Reserve Food ? Three general principles may be cited : 



A Provide for abundant food formation by giving 

 sufficient light and air and by protecting the foliage 

 from attacks of insects and fungi (Chap. Ill, Section 

 VII). 



B Provide sufficient plant food in the soil to satisfy 

 all requirements of food formation (Chap. Ill, Sec- 

 tion VI). 



C Provide for a moderate check to growth after the 

 proper amount of growth has been secured. 



In the greenhouse where conditions are under con- 

 trol, these principles are readily followed, and the 

 skilled florist rarely fails to secure bloom at the proper 

 time. He gives the desired check to growth by permit- 

 ting the roots to become densely matted in the pot (pot- 

 bound), by withholding water, or by pinching the tips 

 of the more vigorous shoots. With out-door perennial 

 plants, as fruit trees, the problem is more difficult, since 

 conditions are less under control than with plants un- 

 der glass, but the principle just cited should always be 

 kept in mind and carried out so far as possible. 



We can give sufficient light and air by planting the 

 trees a sufficient distance apart (122) and by proper 

 pruning (Chap. IV, Section III). 



