SEVEN] OUT IN THE ORCHARD 
between success and failure will depend upon this 
one point of retaining moisture about the roots. 
Trimming is the next all-important matter. 
Trees received from nurseries are seldom pruned, 
unless you so order. Even then it will be neces- 
sary to cut away branches that have been broken 
in the shipping. Cut off all small and feeble twigs, 
close up to the bark. Then cut back the stouter 
branches, from one-third to two-thirds. On each 
twig leave the last bud pointing in the direction 
you wish that limb to grow — which will, of course, 
be outward and not inward, so as to spread the 
top open to air and sunshine. You will soon get 
the knack of shaping a tree-top. Limbs must not 
lop over each other, nor intertwine. But be sure 
to dig out all suckers that have started about the 
roots; and keep these out at all times. If care- 
lessly removed, twenty will come in the place of the 
one that has been cut away. Remember that if 
suckers are allowed to grow on the body or on the 
limbs of trees, they take the vitality from the bear- 
ing limbs; and in a few years these will become 
barren —then brittle, and then will break off. The 
tree becomes a mass of useless rubbish, incapable 
of renovation. A beautiful apple or other fruit 
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