THE APPLE AND THE PEAK. 207 



of producing a vigorous shoot ; and this is selected to 

 prolong the branch. If one or two secondary branches 

 are needed to fill up a space, those next the leader, if 

 properly situated to fill the space, are chosen, and all be- 

 low them are pinched ^vhen about two or three inches 

 long, in order to check the production of wood where it 

 is not wanted, and to convert them into fruit branches or 

 spurs. The growth of all the main and secondary 

 branches is regulated and balanced by pinching ; and if 

 the pinched shoots intended for fi-uit spurs start again 

 into growth, they must be again pinched. 



The tJiird season the shoots of the previous year are cut 

 back as before, say to four, five, or six eyes, according to 

 their strength. One shoot is chosen to continue the pro- 

 longment of the branch, and the others are pinched in 

 season to convert them into fruit spurs. Thus the tree is 

 conducted from year to year, until it has attained the full 

 size required. In this way the trees commence bearing 

 quite young, and every branch is furnished in all its 

 length with fruit spurs. 



Pyramids. — Under the head of " the selection of 

 trees," it has been recommended to obtain thrifty year- 

 ling trees in preference to older ones not properly man- 

 aged. We will, therefore, begin with the yearling tree, 

 and although the management of this the first year after 

 cutting back has been given in the nursery, it may be 

 well to repeat it here, to save the reader the trouble of 

 referring back. 



Ohjects of cutting 'back. — The object in doing this is to 

 produce branches near the stock that will form the base 

 of the future pyramid. If left entire, the tendency of 

 the sap to the extremities would produce shoots there 

 only, leaving a naked space entirely inconsistent with the 

 form in view. We, therefore^ reduce the stem to such an 

 extent, that but a small number of buds is left on it, 



