INTRODUCTION 



decay and disappointment. Therefore, a sketch of plant 

 physiology as it bears upon pruning is given so the reader 

 may better understand the reasons for the pruning prin- 

 ciples and practices which follow in subsequent chapters. 



2. Pruning systems and ideals. — With every kind of 

 fruit, even the strawberry, there are various systems and 

 ideals of pruning and training. These, so far as the 

 woody fruit plants are 

 concerned, differ 

 mainly in the form 

 which it is designed to 

 give the plant and in 

 the management of the 

 annual growths. Some 

 differences are due to 

 variations among the 

 varieties or species, 

 others to the aims 

 sought, still others to 

 the environmental con- 

 ditions or the fashion 

 of the locality, and 

 many are merely a 

 matter of the grower's 

 whim or caprice 

 (Chapter XVII). Un- 

 questionably the best 

 system is that which is 

 most nearly and readily 

 adapted to the condi- 

 tions in the individual 

 plantation. Whatever the system, unless it considers 

 the nature of the plant to be pruned, it is faulty, to say 

 the least. 



In no branch of horticultural work is it more important 

 for the operator to have a clear mental picture or ideal 



FIG. 2- 



WRONGLY CUT LI.MB WITH 

 DECAY HOLE 



The dog has chased a squirrel up in the tree 

 and has jumped up to his present position. 



