66 



FRUIT TREES. 



entire length (fig. 46). The vigour of the buds will 

 be greatest as they approach the highest part of the 

 branch, and those quite at the extremity will, unless 

 arrested, acquire a great development. Now, it is only 



Fig. 45. Wood Branch Extension. 



the weak buds that become fruit- spurs ; it is, therefore, 

 important to diminish their vigour. This result is 



Fig. 46. Wood-Branch Extension. 



obtained by pinching. As soon as the buds intended 

 to form fruit-branches have attained a length of about 

 four inches, they must be pinched off with the nails 

 (fig. 47). In performing this operation some pinch off 

 too much, leaving two or three leaves only towards the 

 base (fig. 48). Two inconveniences may follow: very 



