93 



these leaders as shown in Figure 107. Tliis sHghtly checks the flow of sap, thus 

 causing lateral spur growth to develop up these long leaders, which otherwise, 

 owing to theii' length, would be inclined to remain Vjare of lateral s])urs. This 

 tree illustrates the form desired in an upright grower, and all the leaders needed 

 have been obtained. The tree is five years old, from planting. 



The almond bears on new and old spurs thrown out on both the lateral growth, 

 which should be shortened back, and spurs thrown out on the main limbs and 

 leaders. Short laterals can he left alone until thej' spur and branch : they should 

 then be pruned as required. Figure 108 shows a row of almonds in flower, 

 five years old ; these trees are grown for a breakwind and are planted 12 feet 

 apart ; they carry more leaders than is usually permitted, simply because they 

 are intended for shelter to the orchard. However, they show the form of tree 

 rec^uired. Almonds make a good breakwind planted in this manner round an 

 orchard ; they also make handsome avenues, and, if cared for, they are very 

 productive. 



Figure 109 shows portion of a young almt)nd raised by Mr. Lauder, of the Upper 

 Chapman, where the nut is doing remarkablj^ well. The varieties raised bjf Mr. 

 Lauder are proving highly productive. The tree shown requires pruning and 

 shaping, and the lateral growth should be shortened in as otherwise it will become 

 largely barren, bearing only on the extremities. 



A wide opening offers for the cultivation of the almond in Western Australia. 

 The tree is a deej) rooter, and requires deep, loamy soil. Thanks to its deep- 

 rooting habit in suitable soil it will withstand drought conditions better than will 

 most deciduous trees, provided the cultivation is thorough. 



Ample phosphate, potash, and lime sliould be given to the almond, and naixed 

 varieties should be planted to permit cross pollination. 



The Peach and the Nectarine* 



No tree calls for more skilful treatment than does the peach, owing to the 

 need for always having a supply of fresh wood and spur or lateral growth. The 

 peach bears only on the last season's wood, and care must alwaj^s be given to the 

 proper feeding and cultivation, so as to ensru'e a vigorous growth. 



The tree comes into bearing at a very early age, and it is wise to form a low, 

 stocky tree, with a very strong, open framework, to carry the crop ; getting a 

 wide, open base and a rooniy top, with plentj? of space in the centre and betM'een 

 each of the leaders. 



Some jDruners in this State practise far too open a system of pruning. This 

 I condemn, for it leads to sunscald of the bark and checking of sap-flow. The 

 centre should be roomy, but not wide open, and it should carry a double row of 

 leaders right round ; with a wide base there is room for 18 to 20 leaders. Once 

 the full number has been obtained, the leaders must be maintained intact, without 

 branching, in the same manner as obtains with the apple and all other 

 deciduous trees. If once these leaders are lost, the grower's control over his tree 

 is also lost, for all the top-growth goes to fruit-buds and the lower fruit-bearing 

 ■wood starves. By pruning hard and feeding well, the tree can be kept in good 



