65 



tlie length of the leaders. Two of these laterals suitabljr ])laced, one in toM^ards 

 the centre and one well out on each of the leaders bent down are then selected to 

 make future leaders. The balance of the laterals are b(jth summer and winter 

 pruned close back and thinned out where excessive. Tliis nnist be done each 

 season until they spur. Those laterals selected for future leaders are pruned 

 back each winter in tlie ordinary manner so as to keep them strong, treating them 

 just as ordinary leaders. As soon as the tree settles into bearing, the old leaders 

 bent down (the wire should be removed as soon as the leaders become fixed in their 

 tied position) can be cut off flush with the outside new leaders selected from the 



Fig. 70. 

 A row of Kietfer 's Hybrid Pears pruned and in flower. 



lateral growth which will now have become strong and of good height. This 

 leaves the tree very shapely, open and sturdy, as shown in Figure 70, a row of 

 aged Kieffer's pruned and in flower from base to tip. It will be seen that the 

 leaders were allowed to go unpruned the previous season and they have now been 

 cut hard back, spurs have been developed along their full length from every bud. 

 These new spurs will bear a heavy crop, as shown in Figure 71. the same row of 

 trees the following summer. The leaders it will be noticed are cut to flower buds, 

 but in a vigorous tree these terminal flower buds will throw a strong wood shoot 

 so that the pruner need have no hesitation in pruning to such buds. 



