34 FRUIT CULTURE. 



to the extent of two thirds will balance the root 

 pruning and prevent the tree from being swayed 

 by the wind. This shortening should be done 

 with care to preserve the symmetrical form of the 

 tree, and with due regard to future development. 

 It is a barbarous custom to chop off the entire 

 head, as is sometimes seen. And yet it is advis- 

 able to cut back heroically as the best means of 

 inducing a strong and vigorous start. There 

 will also be much less occasion to use stakes for 

 the purpose of holding the trees firm while the 

 roots are taking hold. A little swaying is very 

 prejudicial to the formation of new roots. 



DISTANCES FOR PLANTING. 



As a rule, fruit gardens are liable to be 

 crowded and too much shaded. There should 

 be sufficient space for the sun and air to pene- 

 trate and warm the soil. On the other hand, 

 trees are fond of society; they afford mutual 

 protection from high winds and scorching suns ; 

 they preserve a gentle humidity in the ground 

 underneath, and therefore they should be planted 

 near enough for mutual support. Many varie- 

 ties of the same fruit are much more vigorous in 

 growth than others, and all kinds are affected 

 by the quality of the soil, and hence allowances 

 are to be made. 



