114 Reasons for Pruning. 
They are apt to lament the iact that systematic orcharding des- 
troys the picturesqueness of tree-growth. They should under- 
stand that such conception of a fruit tree has no place in com- 
mercial fruit growing. The producing tree is the result of the 
conception of an agency to serve certaiti purposes. The or- 
chardist does not pursue uniformity merely for its own sake, but 
rather for the purpose it serves, and the fact that many thinking 
men have practically agreed upon a certain form as an ideal of, 
producing ability is demonstration that such form is, at least, 
approximately correct. There is an industrial conception of an 
agency which is necessarily and essentially different from an 
art-conception of picturesqueness based upon the feral type. The 
wild tree is rude and crude from a cuitural point of view. 
PRACTICAL PURPOSES OF PRUNING. 
One of the first things for the beginner to undertake as he 
approaches the practise'of pruning trees and vines is to form 
some conception of the purposes to be served. Imitation is not 
the foundation of intelligent pruning, though it yields many val- 
uable suggestions. Satisfactory work rests upon a ccrrect 
understanding of the reasons for each act and to the attainment 
of this, all study, observation and experience should tend. Pos- 
sessing this, one can proceed capably, modifying method to 
meet condition, and producing desirable results. Receive all 
suggestions and then go quietly to the tree and study your prob- 
lem in its shade. The tree is the best revelator of its needs. 
Some of the best pruners in California are men who were un- 
trained to horticulture before they entered upon their orchard 
work. Reading, discussion, systematic instruction are all valu- 
able. They save much time and many errors, but recourse to 
the tree affords the sovereign test of attainment. 
These may be counted among the practical purposes to be 
attained by pruning in California: (a) Convenience of the 
grower; (b) health and strength of the tree; (c) regulation of 
heat and light; (d) attainment of strong bearing wood; (e) at- 
tainment of size in fruit; (7) promotion of regular bearing. 
Examine trees with reference to their embodiment of these char- 
acters and one can hardly fail to secure rays of light upon the 
subject of pruning which seems dark to so many. 
- Convenience.—Trees which branch near the ground are most 
quickly and cheaply handled in all the operations of pruning, 
spraying, fruit-thinning and picking. Low trees with obliquely- 
rising branches are more easily cultivated than any form with 
horizontal branches, unless the head is carried so high that the 
animals pass easily under the tree. To do this sacrifices all the 
other conveniences and economies which actually determine 
