the new limbs or the framework. Then about a third 

 of the old limbs should be removed or sawed off, just 

 beyond the point from which these new leaders spring, 

 the work being done with great care as described under 

 "Pruning in the Rose Garden." In the succeeding year 

 or two years, the rest of the old limbs may be removed, 

 and the new growth handled in the same way, as that on 

 a new growing tree. 



The general pruning of fruit trees which have been 

 established, to keep them in vigorous growth and 

 good bearing, is merely an application of the principles 

 which we have already described. The different fruits 

 vary a good deal in the amount and the kind of pruning 

 they require, and their needs and how to meet them 

 will be given in the following brief suggestions: 



APPLES: Most varieties are of vigorous growth 

 and need some pruning every year. Remove all super- 

 fluous growth in the middle and the top,which would tend 

 to make the tree too tall or thick and bushy; do not cut 

 off close side limbs on main branches, as they sacrifice 

 fruiting wood, and leave the limbs, which gradually 

 grow in length, bare. 



PEACH: Aim to keep a low open-headed tree by 

 thinning out interior growth. Winter injured wood and 

 fruit buds may be cut back in early spring. More 

 heading-in will be required on strong soil. Dead wood 

 and weak wood, particularly in the summer, should be 

 kept removed. 



PEAR: Most varieties tend to grow in an upright 

 condensed form and should be lightly thinned out every 

 spring, cutting above strong outside buds where possible. 

 Avoid heavy cutting back however. Keep new growths 

 removed from main trunk and lower main limbs, so that 

 in case of an attack by fire blight the infested portions 

 can be cut away. 



CHERRY: After the frame work of the tree is once 

 formed, only slight pruning is needed. Most varieties 

 are subjected to injurious cracks caused by sun and wind. 

 If the top is kept low and spreading this will be to a 

 large extent prevented. Fruit bearing is little affected 

 by pruning, and as the trees do not tend to "run away" 

 as pear trees do, the only pruning required after the 



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