THE FRUIT GARDEN 185 



the spur-bearing branches to such an extent as to limit the 

 crop. Pruning may be done at any time after the bearing 

 season and before the new growth starts. 



Peaches are borne directly on the wood of the pre- 

 ceding year's growth, and the branches may be headed in as 

 much as required to limit the amount of fruit produced 

 by the tree. 



Grapes are borne on new shoots thrown out in the 

 spring from the canes, or small side branches of the pre- 

 ceding season. Old wood is therefore of little value, and 

 grapes will stand sever^ pruning. There are many differ- 

 ent systems of pruning in use based on the form of the 

 vine desired. 



Raspberries and blackberries both produce their fruit 

 on short shoots thrown out by the canes of the previous 

 year's growth. The bushes may be cut back in the fall 

 or early spring, and all old wood past the best bearing 

 age removed. 



Currants and gooseberries grow fruit on both old and 

 new 7 wood, the blossoms appearing in the axils of the shoots. 

 All wood three years of age should be cut away. 



Strawberries grow their fruit chiefly on the newer 

 plants. The most fruitful plants are those only one year 

 old. Plants over two years old do not produce enough 

 to pay and should be rooted out to give place for new ones. 



3. Enemies of the Fruit Garden 



The fruit garden is prey to a variety of insect and 

 other enemies. Unless the owner is willing to give time 

 and attention to combating these pests there is little use 

 to attempt fruit raising, for it is sure to be a failure. 

 Spraying with some form of fungicide or insecticide is the 

 only means of controlling them, and no one mixture will 

 serve for all purposes. 



