124 TREATMENT OF THE 



The side shoots (but which will hereafter 

 be termed branches) must not be shortened 

 any, but left their entire length. 



If during the summer, the end ofa'branch 

 should have been accidentally broken or 

 damaged, the general consequence resulting 

 from it, would be the production of several 

 shoots, or fruit buds. If shoots, which is 

 very generally the case, were produced, and 

 shortened during summer, agreeably to di- 

 rections for similar shoots in the treatment 

 of the tree, this second year, they must now 

 be cut down to about half an inch in length, 

 see Fig. 2. If instead of shoots, natural 

 fruit buds, should have been produced (these 

 are short and stiff from half an inch to an 

 inch in length) such must not be meddled 

 with, as it is on such, that Apple trees bear 

 fruit. 



The advantage of shortening back the up- 

 right shoot (wriich will be hereafter termed 

 the main stem) as much as is directed to be 

 done is, that by it, branches are certain to 

 be produced at those places desired. Whereas 

 if it was allowed to remain much longer, it 

 would be very uncertain whether shoots 

 would be produced as low down as required, 

 so as to have branches at a regular distance 

 from each other: because those buds push 

 that are nearest to the top of the leading 

 shoot, and thus the middle and lower part 

 of it are destitute of branches. And when 



