POT FRUIT CULTURE AND ITS ADVANTAGES 149 



Before going into details as to the methods of pruning, it may be well to 

 offer a few words on the peculiarities of some varieties. Peaches and Nec- 

 tarines in general call for the same treatment in pruning, if the conditions are 

 favorable; but at times some kinds are exceedingly shy of wood buds. There- 

 fore, we cannot always prune as we would like. One of the principal points 

 to remember in pruning is, always prune to a wood bud, making a clean cut 

 close to the bud. Do not leave any wood beyond the bud, as any wood left 

 will eventually decay. If the cut is made close to the bud the wound will soon 

 heal over. Most of the fruit buds of Apples and Pears are produced from spurs, 

 therefore both of these trees can be pruned fairly close. 



The aim in pruning is to keep the correct form of the tree, whether it be 

 pyramid, bush or half standard. Pears, Apples, Plums, and the freest growing 

 Peaches and Nectarines make handsome pyramids; but any kind of Peach that 

 is a bit shy in producing wood buds is best as a bush or half standard, as it could 

 not be kept in a symmetrical pyramid shape. While pyramids should 

 not be pruned back too severely, any projecting shoots should be 

 pruned back, and if there are any signs of overcrowding, the poorest 

 shoots should be treated, for no good fruit can be expected from a tree that 

 is overcrowded with useless wood. The object in a pyramid is to encourage 

 growth on the bottom branches as much as possible, and this may be accom- 

 plished mainly during the growing season by proper attention to pruning. 



Cherries and Plums are usually plentifully supplied with spur wood, or 

 rather fruit-bearing spurs, and as these generally do not produce much surplus 

 wood, only the wood that projects need be pruned back, so that both bush 

 and half standard may be kept in decent shape. They should be trained into 

 as much of a bush form as possible, but the bottom branches, like those of the 

 pyramids, should not be pruned too severely; some of the smaller shoots need 

 not be pruned at all. If the highest branches show an inclination to rob the 

 sap of the lower or weaker ones, shorten them back. Remember this rule for 

 obtaining the best results: Never allow too much wood to remain on the trees, 

 particularly in the bush and half standard. The sun must be able to penetrate 

 through the branches, then there will be fine fruit with excellent color. Apri- 

 cots should always be grown in bush or half standard form, and be treated 

 accordingly, for they grow a bit ungainly. 



