148 



We have seen already that 

 the basal buds (see fig., p. 147) 

 which grow slightly the second 



Terminal shoot cut back 9 to 12 inches. 



year of pruning eventually form 

 young fruit spurs. The shoots 

 or darts showing in the middle of 

 the twig grow a little more: 



Termina! shoot partly fractured. ^.^ ^ ^^ ^ ^ 



shoots, on the other hand, towards the end of the branch grow more 

 vigorously, and are cut back at the time of pruning, or are partially 

 fractured. They will, after a few years, also carry basal fruit buds 

 and darts. 



The third year after pinching back the young terminal shoot, 

 the basal buds (see page 147) have only developed a rosette of 

 flowers, having a bud in the centre, and have increased a little in 

 length. They now have the appearance shown in the figure illus- 

 trating a matured fruit spur, the bud being plumper. They blossom 

 the following spring, and are now matured fruit spurs (as seen 

 below) . 



Matured fruit spur. 



Two-year-old darts. 



Fruit spur after first 

 fructification. 



At that period the darts have also developed several fruit buds, 

 and probably also the shoots at the top end of the brand 1 ,. 



