234 FRUIT AND ITS CULTIVATION, 



regulating, especially in the case of bush and standard 

 trees, so as to keep the centres well open, and prevent 

 branches crossing each other. The precise methods have, 

 however, been described in connection with each kind of 

 fruit. (Figs. 100 to 102.) 



Pruning Newly Planted Trees. A good deal of con- 

 troversy has taken place among experts as to whether a 

 fruit tree should be pruned at the time of planting or in 

 spring when the sap has commenced to circulate. Others, 

 again, maintain that no .pruning should be attempted the 



Fig. 103. A LESSON IN PRUNING SHOOTS. 



A, Shows the correct way to prune. JS, The wrong: way, thus leaving 

 a "snag" or portion of shoot extending beyond the bud. This portion dies in 

 due course, and causes decay of the shoot. 



first year. Our own experience, however, as well as that 

 of many successful fruit-growers, is that pruning should 

 be practised the first year, not, however, at the time of 

 planting, but about April, when the sap has begun to cir- 

 culate and the buds to develop. It is possible* then to 

 readily distinguish which of the many wood buds on the 

 shoots are most likely. to develop into a strong, healthy 

 shoot, and hence to prune back to this. Wood buds which 

 appear to be fairly plump and promising in winter may 



