^4 THE NURSERY AND THE ORCHARD, 



shoots, which spring from the buds that are left when the 

 top is prunned off, are so managed as to obtain the 

 pyramid shape illustrated in figure 78, the lines show- 

 ing where the limbs should be cut. A vigorous branch 

 is left to form a leader, and the remaining branches are 



Fig. 79. 



so pruned as to be longest at the base and gradually be- 

 coming shorter towards the top. After this system of pru- 

 ning is kept up a few years, and all useless shoots are kept 

 cut away, being careful not to let the head become so 

 thick as to exclude air and light, the tree will assume 

 the appearance of figure 79, and will be ornamental as 

 well as useful. Rich soil, careful cultivation and con- 

 stant and systematic pruning are necessary to succeed 



