PRUNING 



above if it is a large cane, for the eye above is on 

 the outside of the plant ; or if the wood is somewhat 

 smaller and weaker cut to the outside eye below. 

 In this way the plant will be spread out and the 

 shoots will not all crowd together on the inside, as 

 would be the case in cutting to inside eyes. With 

 weaker varieties cut to three and four eyes on the 

 stronger-growing canes, and to two and three eyes 

 on the very weak ones. Each of these buds left on 

 the cane should throw up flower stalks. 



In addition to this main theory, there are one or 

 two other points which it is necessary to consider 

 in pruning plants. They should not be too much 

 crowded and the best way to prevent this is by 

 cutting out the weakest growths. At first it may 

 be somewhat difficult for one to be sure which canes 

 should be removed, but by watching the plants after 

 growth is started this will soon be understood. An 

 absolute rule cannot be given for the number of canes 

 to be left, but there must not be too much crowding, 

 particularly in the center of the plant. All dead 

 wood should also be removed. This can be easily 

 detected and it should be cut back to the live wood, 

 care being taken not to injure the bark of the latter 

 and to make a clean, sharp amputation. 



Where there is any doubt it is easy to cut high, 



and later prune low if the buds do not push properly. 

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