PRUNING 389 



other hand maximum production cannot be expected from a half-equipped 

 plant. An efficiently working machine is not one that is carrying an over- 

 load any more than it is one carrying half or a third of a load. Regular, 

 steady, annual production of large but not maximum amounts is desirable. 



Perhaps in certain species the problem of securing heavy and regular fruit 

 production is somewhat simpler than has been indicated. In the jaboticaba 

 whose blossoms and fruits come out indiscriminately anywhere on the bark, 

 from the crown or even exposed roots to the tips of the youngest branches, the 

 question of developing a special fruit producing mechanism never arises. The 

 plant cannot grow without developing its fruit machinery and it is only the 

 proper functioning of this bark that is a limiting factor to production. Certain 

 other tropical and subtropical fruits present other apparent exceptions to the 

 general statements that have been made, but they need not be given serious con- 

 sideration here, for they do not alter materially the general principles involved 

 or their application in deciduous fruit production. 



Therefore it is desirable to determine as nearly as possible the exact 

 nature of the fruiting habits of the different species and the methods by 

 which they can be modified and controlled. What is the fruiting mechan- 

 ism of the various fruits? What constitutes an adequate equipment for 

 plants of different sizes or ages? How can the amount best be increased 

 or limited? How does it usually function under varying conditions? 

 What methods can be employed to make it work at full efficiency, carry a 

 full load, year after year? How long does the machinery last? What are 

 the best means of getting rid of useless or inefficient machinery and of 

 securing new equipment? When is it best to attempt to repair and speed 

 up equipment that is working poorly and when is it best to discard it and 

 obtain new? The answers to these and many other related questions are 

 of first importance to the grower, for profitable production depends on 

 them to no small degree. 



