PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF PRUNING. 



103 



from the bud, well cut back at one year old, and with six to 

 nine main branches, which form the framework or foundation, 

 which is to give form and character to the future tree, with 

 proper care and management. 



" The following cut (Fig. 145) will illustrate a two-year- 

 old tree, as above described, its lower branches about one 

 foot from the ground, its upper branches 

 being the strongest and most upright, and 

 those below less vigorous and more hori- 

 zontal. 



"The dotted lines indicate where the 

 branches should be cut back at the time of 

 planting. 



" In cutting a tree, with branches formed 

 as above described, let the leader be cut 

 down within four to six inches of the place 

 where the one-year-old tree was cut off, 

 and just above a good bud on the side of 

 the tree, over the previous year's cut, thus 

 keeping the leader in a perpendicular posi- 

 tion over the original trunk or bottom of 

 the tree. 



" If the side-branches are too horizon- 

 tal, upper buds are left for their exten- 

 sion ; if too upright, lower buds are left. 

 Side direction may be given, if desirable, to fill wide spaces, 

 in the same way. Cut the other branches at such a distance 

 from the trunk, that the ends of all of them would form a 

 pyramid, the base of which should not be over twelve to six- 

 teen inches in diameter, and in smallish trees much less ; thus 

 the lowest branches will be left the longest; the object of 

 which is to check the natural flow of sap to the upper branches 

 and induce it to flow more forcibly to the lower ones, increas- 

 ing the vigor and force of the latter as much as possible, which 

 must be done at that time, or never. 



" Fig. 146 represents a two-year-old tree after it has been 

 pruned at two years old, and- made the third year's growth, 

 and showing where it should be cut back at that time. All 

 subsequent pruning will become easy to any one who has 

 attended to these directions thus far observing the same 



FlG. 145. Dwarf Pear, 

 marked for trimming 

 and transplanting. 



