248 FRUIT AND ITS CULTIVATION. 



shorten in winter to an inch to form fruiting spurs. Sub- 

 sequent pruning is dealt with in the cultural articles. (Figs. 

 116 to 120.) 



Espalier Trees. This system applies to Apples and 

 Pears. Assuming a tree grafted in March to have made 

 one strong shoot by winter, shorten this to ift. from 

 its base. Three shoots will develop in spring, and the 

 topmost should be trained vertically to a stake, and the 

 other two at an angle of about 45 deg. to a frame- 



Fig. 120. MODE OF, TRAINING A BLACK CURRANT TREE. 



work of stakes. In winter prune the central shoot to 

 i ft. from its base. Do not prune the two side shoots, 

 but leave them as they are, and in the same position. 

 Any lateral growths which may form, pinch back to the 

 third leaf. The 'next season three more new shoots will 

 develop. Train the central one vertically, and one on each 

 side at the same angle as before. Again shorten the 

 leader to ift. in winter, and then depress the two lower 



