280 THE PEACH. 



The second year these three branches are cut back full one half 

 their length, and from each we take a shoot to continue the branch, 

 and one to form a secondary branch. The other shoots produced 

 below these are pinched or checked to prevent them from interfering 

 with the growth of the leading branches. In the Fall of the year 

 we have a tree with six leading branches, and some bearing shoots 

 below on the older wood. 



The third year each of these six branches is shortened one-half, in 

 order to obtain more secondary branches, and some fruit branches 

 on the lower parts. All young shoots on the old wood, whether 

 fruit branches or not, should be cut back one-half, or as far as may 

 be necessary, to cause the woo^ buds at their base to push, and make 

 shoots to bear next year. 



The formation of the head goes on as described for two or three 

 years more, when it is complete ; for peach trees, properly pruned, 

 do not assume such wide spreading forms as they do naturally. The 

 main branches and secondary branches should be at equal distances 

 throughout, and far enough apart to give the bearing wood on their 

 sides the full benefit of the sun and air. 



An equality of vigor should also be preserved amongst them by 

 summer pinching. It is not uncommon to see a very vigorous shoot 

 start up in a peach tree, and appropriate so much of the sap as to 

 injure a whole branch ; these should be checked the moment their 

 character is observed, unless they may be wanted to fill a vacancy. 

 Every part of the branches should be furnished with bearing shoots, 

 and these should, every Spring, be shortened-in one half or more, to 

 produce others at their base, whilst those that have borne are cut 

 out 



With the advice above, as well as of most writers, to shorten back 

 or prune the Peach in the Spring, we do not fully agree ; believing 

 rather, that if the operation be performed in September, it will en- 

 able the tree to more fully perfect the remaining buds, and fit it to 

 endure changes of temperature during Winter. 



Diseases and Insects injurious. The Curl of the Leaf. The first 

 developed leaves, in the Spring, often become diseased with a spongy 

 and malignant growth, exhibiting reddish blotches or swellings on 

 the upper side, that, after two or three weeks, causes them to fall off. 

 " This occurs at a period when the vigorous circulation of the sap 

 requires a corresponding action in those important organs. A second 

 growth is soon forced out, which ultimately restores the tree to its 

 wonted force and vigor. It is, however, evident, that though the 

 recuperative powers of nature may, for once, twice, or even thrice, 

 restore a growth of leaves, the shock must at length impair the 

 vitality, and induce an unhealthy condition." This curl of the leaf 

 is produced by the punctures of a small plant-louse, the " Aphis 

 persica" fully described by Dr. Harris in his work on Insects. 



