58 



FRUIT TREES. 



series of lateral branches, and to promote the extension 

 of those previously obtained. The new branches should 

 be as numerous as those of the preceding year, and 

 commence about twelve inches above the first. We 

 obtain this result by cutting the terminal shoot a*bout 

 sixteen inches (fig. 38) above its spring. We choose 

 again for the terminal bud one on the opposite side to 

 that from which the branch springs that it grows upon. 



The lateral branches previously obtained must be 

 pruned in such a manner as to transform them finally 

 into fruit-branches. But only so much of the branches 

 must be cut away as is necessary to obtain that result, 

 otherwise it will diminish too much the vigour required 

 by the branches to secure their continued growth. The 

 buds which spring from these lateral branches develop 

 themselves too vigorously if not sufficiently pruned, and 

 will with difficulty be put into fruit-bearing condition. 

 The degree of pruning to be applied to them must vary 

 according to the position of the branches upon the stem 

 of the tree. Those near to the ground must be left 

 longer, in order to favour their development. Thus, 

 towards the base, only a third part of the length must 

 be pruned off, and half of those next above them, and 

 finally, three-fourths of the length of those highest up 

 on the tree. Figure 38 explains this operation. 



The bud over which we effect the section of the 

 lateral branch should be upon the outside of the tree 

 (A, fig. 40), in order that the shoot which springs from 

 it may follow naturally in the oblique ascent of the 

 other branches. The only exception to this is, when 

 the proper bud is situated too close to the neighbouring 



