OF PEARS. * 1.5.^5 



the extremities of the branches : but if this be 

 not observed, you will have hardly any fruit next 

 year. 



The following is the method which I pursue in 

 training trees that are cut near to the place where 

 they were grafted. 



Every year, in the month of March, I shorten 

 the leading shoot to a foot or eighteen inclies, 

 according to its strength ; this shoot will, if the 

 tree be strong, grow from five to seven feet long 

 in one season ; and, if left to nature, would run 

 up without throwing out side-shoots. The reason 

 for thus shortening the leading shoot is, to make 

 it throw out side-shoots -, and if it be done close 

 to a bud, it will frequently cover the cut in one 

 season, leaving only a cicatrix, as at JlJiJ^, in 

 Plate VIII. which show every year's growth and 

 cicatrix. When theJshoots are very strong, I cut 

 the leading shoot twice in one season ; by this 

 method I get two sets of side-shoots in one year, 

 which enable me the sooner to cover the wall. 

 The first cutting is performed any time during 

 the Spring, and the second about the middle of 

 June. 



When you prune the trees, and cut the fore- 

 right shoots, which should be done in February 

 or March, always cut close to an eye or bud, 

 observing where you see the greatest number of 

 leaves at the lower bud, and cut at them ; for 

 at the footstalk of every one of these will be pro- 

 duced a flower bud. The same will hold good in 



