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FRUIT AND ITS CULTIVATION. 



number of shoots and buds can utilise. The super- 

 abundant sap must therefore find an outlet for its energies, 

 and hence, directly growth begins in spring, it forces the 

 awakening buds into vigorous activity, and the result is 

 a still more vigorous growth of coarse shoots. These 

 shoots, full of watery sap, continue to grow, and in their 



Fig-. 96. A LESSON IN PRUNING FRUIT TREES. 



A Shows a side shoot pruned in winter to four buds. Result, three lateral 

 shoots which, if summer-pruned to the fourth leaf, will in due course produce 

 three or further laterals the next season as shown at . 



turn form fat wood buds all along their length. Few, 

 if any, of them mature properly, and fruit buds have, in 

 consequence, little chance of developing. In winter these 

 shoots are again pruned severely to keep the tree within 

 due bounds, and still the same result is achieved, with the 



