OF DWARF FRUIT TREE CULTURE. 23 



stage these little trees do not require it. However, we must not 

 forget mulching, which must now be done. Mulching is accom- 

 plished by placing a layer of coarse manure, hay, straw or other 

 litter from three to six inches deep, extending one or two feet further 

 all around than the roots. This protects them from the ground dry- 

 ing out, or baking with the wind or sun, and keeps the soil under- 

 neath mellow. This mulch may be removed in the spring or turned 

 under and incorporated with the soil in the after culture. Having 

 our trees safely planted, we may now take time to consider the dif- 

 ferent fruit trees in detail. 



APPLES. 



As apple trees produce their fruit on fruit spurs, which remain 

 bearing from year to year and for many years, it is of the utmost 

 importance to secure and maintain the largest supply thereof 

 possible and protect them from injury, and next to train the trees 

 into the desired shape. The shape of our dwarf trees will greatly 

 depend upon our special requirements and is in a great measure 

 under our control, though somie trees have distinctive habits of 

 growth that may require modification. Thus in bush trees some are 

 naturally close growing and may be planted only four feet apart, 

 while others of a more open habit of growth will require more space 

 and must be planted six feet apart or more. The dwarf apple tree 

 "maiden" is one year old and has not been pruned. When we plant 

 it we cut it back to a point just a little above the point of grafting ; 

 the second year it will send out side shoots, and perhaps a few fruit 

 spurs will form the first year from our planting. In June, if there 

 are a number of side shoots, select the most favorably placed for the 

 future frame of the tree and let them grow unchecked till the leaves 

 fall in the winter, when they may be cut back to one-half or two- 

 thirds. The other shoots that start as soon as they have made four 

 good leaves should be pinched back to three perfect leaves ; this will 

 have the effect of making a fruit spur in that place and may be 

 expected to bear blossoms and fruit the next season. No shoots must 

 be allowed to grow below the graft as all future growth must be con- 

 fined to whatever comes from the graft. Sometimes little trees make 

 more fruit spurs than they are able to support, in which case it may 

 be necessary to pinch off some of the fruit blossoms BEFORE THEY 

 FULLY OPEN. Thereafter, for bush trees, you may let them grow 



