PRUNING 



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the growing trees, keeping them low and open in the 

 middle, so that the sunlight and air can reach the fruit 

 spurs, and so that the fruit will be encouraged to 

 develop toward the base of the larger limbs where its 

 weight will not break down the branches and injure 

 the tree. 



Early pruning serves to direct the growth ; then there 

 is no call afterward to correct it. Winter pruning stim- 



PRUNING PEACH TREES. 



ulates wood growth, while summer pruning stimulates 

 the development of the fruit. 



If a branch thicker than one's wrist must be removed, 

 it is best to paint the wound with plain white lead, 

 to prevent the entrance of fungi. The paint is a good 

 antiseptic. Care is necessary to see that the cut is 

 smooth and near the main wood, so as not to leave a stub, 

 otherwise the wound may not heal over. 



