46 THE HOME ACRE. 



trees reach maturity. During the first summer 

 an occasional watering may be required in long 

 periods of drought. In many instances buds will 

 form and start along the stem of the tree, or near 

 the roots. These should be rubbed off the 

 moment they are detected. 



One of our chief aims is to form an evenly 

 balanced, open, symmetrical head; and this can 

 often be accomplished better by a little watchful- 

 ness during the season of growth than at any other 

 time. If, for instance, two branches start so closely 

 together that one or the other must be removed in 

 the spring pruning, why let the superfluous one 

 grow at all ? It is just so much wasted effort. By 

 rubbing off the pushing bud or tender shoot the 

 strength of the tree is thrown into the branches 

 that we wish to remain. Thus the eye and hand 

 of the master become to the young tree what in- 

 struction, counsel, and admonition are to a grow- 

 ing boy, with the difference that the tree is easily 

 and certainly managed when taken in time. 



The study of the principles of growth in the 

 young trees can be made as pleasing as it is profit- 

 able, for the readiness with which they respond to 

 a guiding hand will soon invest them with almost 

 a human interest. A child will not show neglect 

 more certainly than they; and if humored and 

 allowed to grow after their own fashion, they will 



