PRUNING. 



91 



times pruned, each section being shown at the figures 1, 2, 

 3, and the cross-lines indicating the place for the fourth 

 pruning. Fig. e represents a per- 

 fc'-tly pruned pyramid in bearing. 



After the tree has attained suffi- 

 cient size, its further extension is 

 prevented by pruning back the 

 shoots. If the fruit spurs become 

 too numerous, a part of them are 

 to be pruned closely out, so as to 

 give an even and not crowded crop. 

 When spurs become too old, they 

 may be mostly removed for new 

 ones to spring from their bases. 



Some varieties of the pear throw 

 out side shoots spontaneously the 

 first year. Such trees may be 

 treated in a manner not unlike the 

 ordinary two-year pyramid. On 

 the contrary, such sorts as have > 

 small or flat buds, may need a «• 



more severe cutting back than others, in order to arouse the 

 buds into action and induce them to break into shoots. 



Throughout the whole process of pruning and training 

 pyramids as well as every other tree, the frequent error of 

 allowing the shoots and branches to become too thick and 

 to crowd each other, should be carefully avoided. The size 

 and beauty of the fruit, and its perfection in richness and 

 flavor, where there is plenty of room for the full, vigorous, 

 and healthy development of the leaves which supply all 

 the material for the growing fruit, will repay well the labor 

 required for this excellent result. 



Dwarf apples on (paradise stocks) are usually trained to 

 a round and rather spreading open head, the same principles 

 to be applied as in forming dwarf pears, with the exception 

 of the form given to them, and being more dw^arfish in 

 growth, less shortening of the shoots is required. 



Small, slow growing varieties, as the Melon, Early Joe, 

 Red Canada, Hawley, Jonathan, Ladies' Sweet, Summer 

 Pearmain, Dyer, Lady Apple, Lowell, and Wagener, may 

 be pruned into pyramids and kept small, so as to stand not 



