56 



leaders were thii^.ied out and only those required to form the permanent leaders 

 were left. This thinning out must always be attended to, otherwise the tree is 

 checked by being too crowded, the permanent leaders are weakened, and the spur 

 development interfered with. It will be seen how well clothed with short fruit 

 spurs (as well as sufficient laterals to give protection and foliage) the leaders have 

 become. Figu e 59 shows how this tree should be pruned. It will be noticed 

 that the leaders ha-\'e been shortened back about one-half, not onljr to 



Fig. 60. 

 All old uiipriiiied braiiflied lalerai. 



strengthen them but also to prevent the tree becoming too high. It ^^-ill 

 be seen that these leaders have all been cut to fruit spurs, but in a 

 vicrorous tree the pruner need have no hesitation in pruning to a fruit 

 spur for the terminal spur will force out into wood growth. The Dunn's 

 Seedlinc is an upright grower, yet, owing to obtaining a wide base at the start, 

 this tree is carrying 18 main leaders without crowding, for there is ample room be- 

 tween each, and the tree has a hollow centre. The tree will also gradually open 

 out as the crops become lieavy up the leaders. 



