APl'LES. 79 



It is pleasant to turn to the well-rooted tree. 

 The five branches, fig. 27, page 77, were cut back 

 in spring at the lower cross-marks, to less than half 

 their length ; the root-force was thus concentrated 

 on fewer buds, with the inevitable result of free 

 growth ensuing. The five brandies were multi- 

 plied to ten, incipient fruit spurs forming at the 

 base of the originals, and wood and fruit buds as 

 shewn on the two branches on the left. After this 

 shortening, sufficient branches often form for the 

 framework of a standard tree, but, if not, they 

 may be cut back again the second year, though not 

 so low down as shown in the two cross marks at 

 X, page 77, or all the buds below will be forced 

 into growth as shewn, and the interior of the tree 

 crowded and incapable of bearing ; but if only the 

 tips of the shoots were cut off, two or three 

 growths would push from near the ends and blos- 

 som buds form on the part below, the number of 

 branches being increased, and fruit buds induced 

 by the same operation. 



Perhaps an enlarged sketch of a branch will 

 enable the matter to be fully comprehended as it 

 ought to be. for it is assuredly of great practical 

 importance. Fig. 28, page 80, represents a branch 

 exactly as it was cut ofi an Apple tree when the 

 buds were swelling. The round, scaly buds are 



