PRUNING. 



63 



away, and the younger it is when taken, the more good its removal 

 3,oea, because the other branches get the better. 



With regard to any one or two, or even three upright branches, 

 though one strong one is worth three weakly ones, they may be short- 

 ened down so that two or three good ' eyes may be fairly above the 

 other branches, and that when they grow outward the next season, 

 they may help fill up the head of the tree above; when the eyes 

 begin to shoot, rub out all that come where they are not required, and 

 leave those of which you are yet doubtful, as well as those you know 

 will be wanted, because it is at this period you have such control by 



Third Thab's Growth ot BtiD. 



driving the whole strength of the tree into the branches that are 

 wanted. In this way, you proceed until the head of the tree is the 

 proper form and proportion, instead of, as we now see them every- 

 where, a small, pimping, ungraceful head to a tall stem, or trunk. 

 When once it has arrived at this perfection, which, with very little 

 care and attention, it will, you may out back every year's wood to two 

 eyes ; cut out every weak shoot altogether, if you have not rubbed it 

 off in the bud ; cut out all' that are in the way of free growth for the 

 rest, and when any portion is confused by reason of the number of 



