ORCHARD FRUITS 73 



uniform top. The shoots coming from these buds 

 give the foundation upon which to build. 



" Very little pruning is required the first summer, 

 but the following spring is the time to select the 

 foundation branches. Four or five coming from 

 different directions on the stem 

 should be left to form a symmetrical 

 top ; all others should be removed, 

 and the foundation branches cut 

 back one-half to two-thirds, accord- 

 ing to the vigor. Never leave these 

 I limbs in such a position that they 

 ^^(^ form a crotch. This is likely to 

 split and ruin the tree. Very vigor- 

 ous trees will require some pruning 

 during the summer. 

 T>T>TT>TTXT.- " If the trees have been properly 



PRUNING 11 1 1 1 111 11 



YOUNG PE\CH h^"*^^^*^ they should be well set 

 with stout, healthy buds, and 

 should produce an average of half a bushel of choice 

 fruit the third season. The pruning now should 

 not be so severe. I thin out the branches that 

 crowd and cross each other, cut back those branches 

 growing too tall, cutting above an outside bud to 

 give spread to the top. Cut the lateral branches 

 just sufficient to cause new growth among the main 

 limbs, thus keeping the entire side of the tree in 

 fruiting condition. Should any portion of the tree 

 become too thick to admit free circulation of air and 

 sunshine, then thin out any time fruit is maturing. 

 " Future pruning is conducted on the same prin- 

 ciples, keeping the top open and spreading, and all 

 bottom and lateral limbs in good fruiting condition. 

 I never remove bottom limbs unless compelled to 

 do so. If pruned as they should be, they will pro- 

 duce heavy crops for many years. 



