16 



the felling of the tops usually knocks out, or so disturbs the bud as to 

 cause it to die. 



As the young sour shoots start rub off all above and in the imme- 

 diate vicinity of the buds. Allow a few shoots to remain along the 

 trunk, but pinch them back after growing a few inches. Be careful to 

 allow none to reach higher than the bud, as the tendency of the sap is 

 to flow in greatest abundance to the highest point. I have already 

 mentioned some advantages to be derived from first allowing sour 

 shoots to grow and then pinching them back. I mention one other 

 advantage. This method soon furnishes new and mature wood on 

 which tq bud if the first buds fail. 



After the sweet buds have grown ten or twelve inches pinch back, 

 simply taking out the terminal bud. So soon as the buds have started 

 if airly a second growth, you may begin to lessen the quantity of the 

 sour shoots below, until you can safely risk the tree's health with the 

 foliage furnished by the sweet bud. You may have to occasionally 

 pinch back the sweet bud. It is safest to hold it in such check as will 

 hasten to maturity of wood and thickness rather than length of branches. 



