THE PEAR. 77 



which is now in a state of decomposition, at A (fig. 

 68), or atB (fig. 69). 



The dards have extended their small branches and 

 grown a little longer ; the small flower-bud at the end 

 is about to expand, and will give place to a purse, like 

 fig. 68. The same treatment must be observed as 



Fig. 70. Small Three Years' Branch, Fig. 71. Small Branch Two Years after 

 bearing Fruit-Spurs. Fracture, bearing Fruit-Spurs. 



directed in the former case, at the period of winter 

 pruning. 



The fractured branches (fig. 65) also bear flower-buds 

 (fig. 71). The time has arrived to cut off at D, fig. 71, 

 the little extension left at the end of the branch. The 

 purses that they will produce must also receive the 

 treatment before described. Lastly, the branches sub- 

 mitted to partial fracture (figs. 66 and 67) also bear 

 small fruit-spurs (figs. 72 and 73). These branches 

 may be cut back at A, for the flower-buds being formed, 

 there is no longer danger of the sap being restrained 

 in too confined limits, nor of the branches pushing out 

 into vigorous but unproductive shoots. 



Maintaining the Fruit-Branches m Bearing Condition. 

 As we have already stated, the fruit- spurs (fig. 68), 



