Pruning and Thinning 275 



of fruit-buds and fruit is likewise dependent on sufficient 

 quantities of light. 



Thinning out the top and outer portions, then, is the 

 most effective means of letting light in to each individual 

 spur, thereby distributing the motive power necessary to 

 develop activity within each individual spur and increase 

 the amount of fruit produced. The removal of a few 

 large limbs near the ground only leaves large holes and 

 open spaces. The cutting of lower limbs and those near 

 the body of the tree does not permit sunlight to enter into 

 the parts where it is most needed nor does it permit the 

 distribution of sunlight and air in sufficient quantities to 

 modify the functioning of fruit-spurs. Ejemoving large 

 limbs leaves vacant spaces and admits sunlight in shafts 

 rather than allowing it to penetrate evenly throughout all 

 parts. 



It is better to remove many small branches, in thin- 

 ning the outer parts of trees. This leaves the outer fruit- 

 ing wood evenly distributed and still open enough to 

 permit the entrance of sunlight and air. The removal of 

 small branches requires time and makes it necessary for 

 the pruner either to use a ladder or climb well out near 

 ' the ends of the main branches, but this careful work will 

 prove profitable. 



Distribution and establishment of fruiting wood. 



Too much emphasis cannot be laid on the distribution 

 and establishment of functioning fruiting wood throughout 

 the entire tree. It is not uncommon to see trees which 

 have been stripped of all fruiting wood except near the 

 ends of the branches. For example, limbs 20 to 25 feet 

 long bear all their fruit from within 5 or 6 feet from the 



