98 Fruit-growing in Arid Regions 



back about one-half. The few side shoots were cut back 

 to a single bud, with the idea of developing fruit-spurs. 

 In the season of 1906, numerous branches should develop 

 on all of these scaffold limbs. As a rule, two of the best 

 placed of these secondary limbs will be chosen on each of 

 the main scaffold limbs to form additional framework. 

 The remainder may be removed or cut back to develop 

 fruit-spurs, as may seem best. 



The form of the tree, then, should be developed at the 

 beginning of the season of 1907, and subsequent pruning 

 should be directed toward retaining this shape, cutting 

 back excessive growths and thinning and renewing the 

 bearing wood. 



The pruning of tree No. 22 is much the same, except that 

 a leader is being developed. Fig. 22 c shows that, although 

 the top was cut back the same as tree No. 21, the topmost 

 branch is developing into a vigorous central shaft. The 

 first set of scaffold limbs has been formed, and a second set 

 is to be developed at a suitable distance above. The new 

 growth is to be cut back, as has been described. 



The tree shown in the series 23-23 c is, so far, practically 

 a failure. The severe heading-in it received in the spring 

 of 1905 failed to make branches start lower down. It 

 would have been a better plan to have inserted two or three 

 buds at suitable points around the main stem in June, 

 1905. This can probably be done next June, but the 

 chance for success is not so great. Limbs can be developed 

 by this means just where they are wanted, but the average 

 person will succeed better with trees that do not require 

 such manipulation. 



