60 FRUIT TREES. 



one of the lateral branches remains dormant, the in- 

 cision will be still more indispensable (B, fig. 41). 



When, on the contrary, a branch shall have ac- 

 quired, notwithstanding pinching, a disproportionate 

 development, it must be cut shorter than the others ; 

 if the difference in size between it and the other 

 branches be excessive, an incision must be made like 

 the one shown at C (fig. 41), immediately below its 

 point of attachment to the stem. This will greatly 

 diminish the action of the sap. 



During the summer which follows the second 

 pruning, apply the operation of disbudding to the 

 terminal branch, the same as that made upon the 

 young stem during the first year. This must be done 

 so as to leave only six or eight well-placed buds, for 

 forming a second series of lateral branches. Also pinch 

 off the herbaceous extremities of the terminal buds 

 upon the side branches, in order to maintain between 

 them an equal degree of vigour. Be careful that the 

 lateral buds towards the end of the branch do not 

 become too vigorous, and overgrow the terminal one, 

 which ought always to maintain its superiority. 



Third Pruning. In the following spring the tree 

 presents the aspect of the figure 42. 



The terminal branch extension is cut in the same 

 proportion as in the preceding year. The extensions 

 of the lateral branches of two years' growth are cut 

 back also in the same proportion as before. The lateral 

 branches developed during the preceding summer are 

 cut shorter, in order to favour the growth of the lower 

 branches. It must be borne in mind that these direc- 



