224 



AGRICULTURE 



made more upright by cutting so as to leave as the last re- 

 maining bud one that points upward (Fig. 153). In the 

 same way you can often till in an un- 

 occupied space on one side of a tree 

 by selecting for leaders the buds that 

 point towards that space. 



Fruits that most need pruning. 

 Peach trees, grapevines, raspberries, 

 and cultivated blackberries need prun- 

 ing every year. Apple trees need 

 less after the first few years, and 

 shade and nut trees require very little 

 pruning. 



EXERCISE. Perhaps you can find a 



young peach tree growing wild and can 

 FIG. 153. PRUNING TO 3 

 DIRECT THE GROWTH practice pruning on this. Ask some one at 



, home to show you how to prune the trees and 

 On right, pruned for upward . . , , 



growth ; on left, pruned grapevines in the home orchard. Ask why 

 for outward growth. tnev prune in a certain way ; also when they 



prune, and why. 



NOTE TO THE TEACHER. If there is near the school a carefully 

 pruned orchard, it may be well worth an excursion to see it, and doubt- 

 less its owner will give an exhibition of pruning. Farmers' Bulletin No. 

 181 of the United States Department of Agriculture, on pruning, will 

 be useful to the teacher and to any pupils who desire to improve the 

 orchard at home. 



