THE PEACH. 



147 



is the better one to leave, as the irregularity will be 

 less apparent. 



The extensions of the branches generally present 

 single wood-buds (A, fig. 120), but they are frequently 

 double, and even treble, B. It is necessary to leave a 

 single bud only at each point. If these double or treble 



A B 



Fig. 120. Peach, Wood Extension. 



* C A 6 



Fig. 121. Peach, Wood Extension. 



buds occupy the place of a fruit-branch, the weakest 

 bud (E, fig. 121) must be retained, as in this case there 

 is greater reason to fear an excess of vigour than of 

 weakness. If it is desired to increase the length of 

 the branch, the most vigorous bud, F, must be retained. 

 The buds must not be torn off, but cut away with a 

 sharp knife. 



The buds that are retained must not be abandoned 

 to their own growth, for many will become too vigorous, 

 to the injury of the terminal bud, which ought to pre- 

 serve the pre-eminence ; and they will seldom produce 

 fruit-blossoms. It is, therefore, necessary to restrain 



H 2 



