SEVEN] OUT IN THE ORCHARD 



between success and failure will depend upon this 

 one point of retaining moisture about the roots. 



Trimming is the next all-important matter. 

 Trees received from nurseries are seldom pruned, 

 unless you so order. Even then it will be neces- 

 sary to cut away branches that have been broken 

 in the shipping. Cut off all small and feeble twigs, 

 close up to the bark. Then cut back the stouter 

 branches, from one-third to two-thirds. On each 

 twig leave the last bud pointing in the direction 

 you wish that limb to grow — which will, of course, 

 be outward and not inward, so as to spread the 

 top open to air and sunshine. You will soon get 

 the knack of shaping a tree-top. Limbs must not 

 lop over each other, nor intertwine. But be sure 

 to dig out all suckers that have started about the 

 roots; and keep these out at all times. If care- 

 lessly removed, twenty will come in the place of the 

 one that has been cut away. Remember that if 

 suckers are allowed to grow on the body or on the 

 limbs of trees, they take the vitality from the bear- 

 ing limbs; and in a few years these will become 

 barren — then brittle, and then will break off. The 

 tree becomes a mass of useless rubbish, incapable 

 of renovation. A beautiful apple or other fruit 



[151] 



