BUDDING, GRAFTING, ETC. 137 



be checked, if too vigorous, by pinching off their ends, 

 but not entirely removed, as they assist in giving size and 

 strength to the lower part of the body of the young tree. 

 The peach almost invariably produces numerous side 

 branches the first season, and it is a very common but very 

 erroneous practice to prune these all off in mid-summer. 

 The proper course is to maintain an uniform vigor amongst 

 them by pinching; and to prevent any from encroaching on 

 the leading shoot ; in this way we get stout, well-propor- 

 tioned trees. This brings us to the end of the second year, 

 and gives us young trees of one year's growth. Peach 

 trees should always be planted out at this age, and all trees 

 intended for training in particular forms ; but as this part 

 of the subject will be considered under the head of " Selec- 

 tions of Trees? we will proceed to the course of manage- 

 ment for the 



THTKD YEAR. We commence this year with trees of 

 one year's growth ; and the first point is to determine what 

 form is to be given them, whether tall or dwarf stand- 

 ards, pyramids, bushes, or espaliers. Having settled these 

 matters, we have but to follow up the proper course to 

 accomplish the desired ends. It may be well to take each 

 of these forms in succession, and point out the necessary 

 management under various circumstances. 



1st. Standards. Until very lately, trees of all sorts, 

 and for every situation, were grown as tall standards, with 

 naked trunks six and even eight feet high. Indeed, it 

 appeared as though an impression existed amongst people 

 that a tree was not in reality a tree, nor worthy of a place 

 on their grounds, if it had not this particular form. Lat- 

 terly, however, since fruit tree culture has become more 

 practised, and somewhat better understood, this impres- 

 sion has been gradually losing ground, and in all parts 

 of the country low trees are finding advocates. 



Experience is beginning to teach people that whilst tall 



