100 Fruit-growing in Arid Regions 



numerous branches, which nearly always results when 

 a so-called stub cut is made. 



A number of our best varieties of apples are likely to 

 develop long, slender branches that may bend and rest on 

 the ground; and, indeed, it is not uncommon for such 

 branches to break under a load of fruit. Some of these 

 kinds, as the Winesap, are very liable to overbear periodi- 

 cally as they get older, often to such an extent that the 

 branches are broken with a load of undersized fruit. 

 Such trees may require two seasons in which to recover 

 from the effect of overbearing, but the third year the pro- 

 cess may be repeated. A severe heading-in and thinning- 

 out of the branches would largely correct these faults, 

 and make it possible for the trees to bear annual crops of 

 fine fruit. 



The orchard man should become well acquainted with 

 the habit of growth of different varieties, as a few kinds 

 grow slowly and will not bear heavy pruning. Others are 

 erect growers and some are spreading. 



One cannot expect entirely to overcome such tendencies, 

 but they may be corrected to a marked degree. The 

 upright varieties may be spread somewhat by pruning to 

 the outside laterals, and the spreading kinds may be con- 

 tracted by cutting to those that have an inward direction; 

 and by cutting back the vigorous growths each season, 

 those two feet and more in length, the limbs are made 

 stocky, thus in great measure doing away with drooping 

 branches. However, we think that, under our conditions, 

 it is advantageous in many ways to keep trees from be- 

 coming very tall. This can be done only by intelligent 

 annual pruning. In Figure 25 is shown a photograph of a 



