115 



The- Leinon. — The lemon requires far more attention than the orange, owing 

 to its rambhng liabit of growth, also because it does not so readily provide itself 

 with fruiting wood. It should be grown into a good roomy, stocky tree or bush, 

 with no central leader. Form the young tree, and treat it in every way as for the 

 orange during the first few years. By pinching and cutting, the leaders can be kept 

 from rambling in early life. Strong shoots must be cut flush away when not re- 

 c^uired, and all other laterals suppressed by nipping back. Figure 147 shows 

 a well-shaped young lemon. As the tree ages keep the small growth in the centre 



Fig. 139. 

 A good shaped young Orange tree. 



well thinned out ar.d that retained nipped back, and keep the outside growth from 

 becoming too dense, to permit free circulation of air. All pruning should as a 

 rule be done just before the spring growth, but if tlie tree is very vigorous, pruning 

 about December will check the strong rank growth, and promote the lighter fruiting 

 growth. 



The aim of the pruner is to pre^'ent wild growth and encourage small fruitin 

 growth, without altogether suppressing the natural habit of the tree. 



All cross limbs must be removed, and the leaders shortened back, otherwise 

 they become long and wild, and the fruit is ruined by being thrashed about by the 



