OF APPLES. 117 



to the size and strength of the branch cut. These 

 shoots will bear from three to four years ; by 

 which time they will be pretty much exhausted by 

 the great quantity of fruit produced from them ; 

 they should then be cut down to two eyes, to pro- 

 duce new wood. 



I always leave three different years branches 

 on the trees. When the first shoot, d, is cut off 

 at ^, \_See Plate VI. Jig, 2.] you will observe 

 the next shoot, J to be full of fruit-buds, if it has 

 not been shortened ; when it begins to grow 

 weak, cut it off at g. The next cutting must be 

 at ^, when the branch h is tired of bearing. Pro- 

 ceed thus all over the tree with care and attention, 

 and you will soon perceive the advantages of this 

 method of pruning above the common mode ; for 

 by it you will be able to keep your trees in a con- 

 stant state of bearing, which, if left to nature, 

 would only produce a crop of fruit once in two or 

 three years. Always remember, when the shoot 

 that has done bearing is cut off, to apply the com- 

 position immediately, and to rub off the shoots 

 where they are two numerous. 



The best time to prune apple-trees is in the 

 month of April, or in May, after the peaches, 

 nectarines, and cherries are pruned. * 



* Soon after this pruning, about the middle of Ma}^, it will 

 be proper to look over the trees, and to pick off any caterpillars 

 that may be on them. 



You will then see what shoots are infected with the canker, 

 and which might have escaped your notice at the time of prun- 



I 3 



