56 FRUIT GARDEN. 
in the air than when nailed close to the wall; a weak shoot 
should therefore be left free, whilst a stronger antagonist 
should be restrained. A shoot diverging only slightly 
from the perpendicular will, other things being equal, ob- 
tain a more copious supply of sap than one that is laid out 
horizontally, or is deflected downwards, A luxuriant 
shoot may be retarded for some time, by having its tender 
extremity pinched off, and'a-weaker brother thus allowed 
to overtake it. By these and other expedients, which will 
suggest themselves to an attentive horticulturist, and. by 
the prudent use of the knife, it will be easy to execute the 
following forms, which, on account of their simplicity and 
general excellence, we select out of many to be found 
detailed in works on gardening. 
The horizontal form (Fig. 6) has long been a favorite in 
this country, having been strongly recommended in the 
excellent work of Mr. Hitt.* There is one principal 
ascending stem, from which the branches depart at right 
angles, at intervals of ten inches or a foot. In order to 
produce this form, the’ vertical shoot is, in trees of ordi- 
Fig. 6. 
* Treatise on Fruit-Trees, by Thomas Hitt, 8vo. 1756. 
