72 FRUIT AND ITS CULTIVATION. 



outwards, not inwards. The next season allow two 

 lateral shoots only to develop on each. These will there- 

 fore provide the necessary six main shoots required. 



A stake should be placed to each shoot so as to train 

 it outwards and at an even distance from its neighbour. 

 In winter shorten these shoots according to their vigour 

 the nearest, say, two-thirds, and the stronger ones one- 

 third. The next year allow one leader shoot to grow on 

 each branch, and summer prune any laterals that form to 

 four or five leaves. Proceed thus each year until the main 

 branches are 4ft. to 6ft. long, then summer prune the 

 leaders to four leaves. During the summer all lateral 

 growths should have their points snapped off at the fourth 

 or fifth leaf. 



Winter pruning consists of shortening each leader to 

 a couple of buds, the laterals to the first male blossom, or, 

 if no male blossom, then to the first female flower. Shoots 

 that bear male flowers only can, after the female flowers 

 are fertilised, be shortened to two buds. Should young 

 lateral shoots form too freely, disbud the weakest in early 

 summer, and if any new growth should be inclined to 

 grow too strongly remove it entirely. 



It will now be seen that the nut bush is shaped like 

 a cup or basin, has its centre open, and six branches 

 trained outwards at equal distances apart. Light, sun, 

 and air have easy access to all parts, and the result is a 

 good crop of nuts annually. 



General Details. Trees in full bearing are greatly 

 benefited by copious supplies of liquid manure, also heavy 

 mulchings of stable manure in summer. It is also advis- 

 able to dig in some rotten dung annually in winter. When 

 the female flowers are in full blossom, give the trees an 

 occasional shake to distribute the pollen ; and, should 

 there be a shortage of male catkins, cut some hazel 

 branches laden with catkins and place these among the 

 trees early in March. 



