SUMMER PRUNING 55 
the object of which is generally considered to be the 
formation of fruit buds as distinguished from wood buds. 
Summer pruning should be done as a rule in June, July, 
or the first half of August, when the tips of the shoots 
are so tender that they can be pinched out with the thumb 
and finger. If the operation is performed just at the 
right time—and the essence and virtue of the operation 
lie just in this, doing it at the right time—the little 
branch will produce fruit spurs and fruit buds, and so 
not waste energy in producing wood which will have to be 
cut away in the winter pruning. Just what makes a tree 
fit for summer pruning is a matter that can only be 
learned from practical observation and actual practice. 
In certain districts the practice of summer pruning 
is being discountenanced by experienced growers. 
