Orchard Culture — General Statements. 31 



4. The growth of a given part of the tree is largelj' de- 

 termined by the amount of water it receives from the roots, 

 and this depends chiefly upon the number of times it is 

 diverted by branching from the axis of growth. It follows 

 that the parts of the tree that are most times diverted by 

 branching are most likely to form flower buds, provided 

 they receive abundant light. Pruning should, therefore, 

 favor branching. Vertical shoots, excepting the leader, 

 should be discouraged. The branches should be thinned 

 sufficiently to admit plenty of light. 



5. The bud may be regarded as the unit of growth, both of 

 wood and fruit, and the fruit tree may be regarded as two 

 or more crops of buds of different ages, one crop of which 

 should blossom and fruit each year, while another crop is 

 produced to take its place. Some new wood must, there- 

 fore, be produced each year, to provide the new crop of 

 buds. A small amount of growth upon all of the branches 

 should be the aim. 



6. Pruning should be moderate and regular. At least 

 one careful pruning must be given each year. Spasmodic 

 and excessive pruuings, if intended to promote fruitful- 

 ness, generally do more harm than good, as the immediate 

 result. 



35. Summer pruning:. As vigorous trees start growth 

 in spring, buds often push into shoots on the trunk and 

 branches. Such shoots on the trunk are always superflu- 

 ous, and should be rubbed off' before their leaves are fully 

 expanded. They may or may not be sui^erfluous on the 

 branches, since they may develop into fruit spurs if allowed 

 to remain, but they usually need thinning out more or 

 less, and on very young trees, those forming on the inner 

 side of the branches should generally be removed. Shoots 



