PRUNING, 59 



tops of a uniform height. This affords the greatest possible 

 protection to the individual plants, as the storms sweep 

 over the level tops with comparatively little harm. 



Bush Pears. This form of tree is usually being worked 

 on the quince stock, and requires very little pruning when 

 once the bush is well formed, and this stock should always 

 be used for this form of tree, unless the soil be very light 

 and dry. The trees are usually planted at from two to four 

 years old, having from four to eight branches, about two or 

 three feet in length. The first pruning should be to cut 

 back these shoots to about one foot from the base, Avith the 

 result that each will throw out two or three good leading 

 growths. The subsequent pruning would be to shorten 

 the leading shoots, and leave a few smaller branches as 

 the tree extends, always keeping the centre of the tree 

 open and clear from surplus growth. 



Gooseberries. These require rather hard pruning for the 

 first year or two. Thin out any surplus shoots, and shorten 

 the remainder by at least half their length. In cutting, they 

 require exactly contrary treatment to that of the standard 

 trees in this respect. Cut behind the upright bud, the 

 object here being to lead the branches as upright as pos- 

 sible, and to keep them from drooping to the ground, this 

 being the general tendency with the most prolific goose- 

 berries, the weight of the fruit soon bringing the branches 

 down. Subsequently allow the main branches to extend, 

 but keep them a good distance apart. Shorten all side 

 growth to within two or three eyes of the main branch, 

 to encourage the formation of spurs ; but as the main 

 branches extend, allow some side growths to remain and 

 also extend, where space will allow. Always keep the tree 

 sufficiently open to permit the hand to pass freely to the 

 centre for gathei'ing and pruning purposes. Gooseberries 



