PRUNING AND GENKEAL CULTIVATION. 139 



Do not shorten the leader until necessary, but continue 

 to train in the required direction until the full length or 

 height is attained. Prune all side shoots, at the end of 

 June or beginning of July, to within about two or three 

 eyes of the last pruning. And again, early in September, 

 go over them and prune all shoots to within one or two 

 eyes of the summer pruning. The first pruning generally 

 results in the development of fruit buds upon the spurs. 

 Therefore, pruning at the right time is very important to 

 induce fruitfulness, but it is a most simple operation, and 

 if carried out according to above directions will ensure 

 success. 



There is a considerable difference of opinion as to the 

 best mode and time of pruning. But from our long ex- 

 perience, we find the above safe and efficacious. 



In the course of time, and after successive pruning, 

 considerable spurs will be formed up the stem, especially 

 with some of the coarser-growing varieties ; when they 

 thus become inconveniently long they may be cut away 

 to within two or three eyes of the main stem, but it is 

 best to do this gradually and not to cut the whole back 

 the same season. 



Manure should be applied moderately when the trees are 

 planted, unless the ground is very rich, and occasional 

 top-dressings may be subsequently applied, according to 

 the condition and nature of the soil and the amount of 

 fruit that the trees are carrying ; and if the trees should 

 make too strong wood-growth, instead of forming fruit- 

 spurs, they should be carefully root-pruned in October or 

 November. A mulching of manure in summer in light 

 soils will be found very beneficial. In heavy soils they 

 may also be mulched in dry seasons. 



