120 



FRUIT CULTURE. 



year's growth, as shown in Fig. 32 at the points A A, the 

 dotted portion beyond being removed. Always cut to 

 a good outward bud. The object of this shortening 

 back is to increase the number of branches to cover 

 the widening space as the tree advances in growth, and 

 the illustration shows the probable condition of the tree 

 after the first year's growth. When the young growth 

 after the pruning has progressed to the length o nine 



FIG. 32. FAX-TRAIXKD PKACH, AND How TO PHUNE IT. 



to twelve inches, the leading shoots should be nailed or 

 tied to the wall; and they will require attention in this 

 respect by the end of May or beginning of June. The 

 front shoots should be removed, so that the sap may be 

 utilized in strengthening the shoots that remain, and also 

 in order that the sun may have full play upon them, to 

 fully mature the wood. As peaches, nectarines, and 

 apricots perfect their fruit buds only upon the current 

 year's wood, it is impossible to obtain a good crop of 



