226 



and consequently unfit to yield to the stem any considera- 

 ble amount of nutriment, the buds will break with less 

 force, and a more severe retrenchment will be necessary. 

 All these circumstances must be consid- 

 ered. For example, we will take a young 

 pear-tree, of one year's growth .from the 

 bud, without branches (fig, 109), Avhich 

 we will suppose to be four feet, whicli is 

 the ordinary average hight of yearlings. 

 If the buds are full and prominent on it, 

 we cut to a good bud, about twenty 

 inches from tlie stock ; but if the buds 

 are less prominent, cut to fifteen or 

 eighteen inches, and if very feeble, with 

 small buds, cut to within twelve inches. 

 or five or six buds of the stock. If tha 

 roots have been injured much, and tl.e 

 stem somewhat dried or shrivelled, it 

 should be cut to within three or four 

 buds of the base. These difiV^rent cases 

 are mentioned because it frequently han- 

 pens that persons who live at a greau 

 distance from nurseries often find their 

 trees, on their arrival, in the condition de- 

 scribed, and it is necessary that a course 

 of treatment for them should be indicated. 

 The bud cut to should, if possible, be one 

 of the best on the stem, and be on the 

 Fig. 107. Bide of the tree opposite that in which the 



yearling pear- bud was inserted, so as to continue the 

 stem in a straight line. 



It is a great advantage to have a tree 

 "I" well established in the ground before cut- 

 ting it back, to produce the first branches 

 to form the pyramid; because, in that condition, it is 

 capable of producing vigorous shoots the first season. It 



tree without bran- 

 dies. Tlie cross- 

 line indicates tlie 

 first pruning 

 cutting back. 



