Ill] THE SHOOTS 49 



The base of the tree should always be pre- 

 served, and in the first place the shoots a should 

 be cut away, if not absolutely, at least to within 

 three or four eyes ; shoots b should be removed in 

 the same manner. If the leading shoots, c, are 

 growing in the same proportion as in the diagram, 

 they should be shortened a little. The same rule 

 will apply to the whole tree, with the exception 

 of the centre shoot. In many cases the centre 

 shoots have a tendency to strong growth, and 

 where such is the case they should be shortened 

 back to a few inches, and replaced by a new centre. 

 This is easily done with either shoot marked x. 

 Sliould the shoot intended for the new centre be 

 found a little stubborn, let it be treated gently, 

 tying it up a little each time, until it reaches its 

 proper position. To obtain a good straight stem, 

 the centre shoot should be pruned the opposite 

 side each year. All the little spurs should be left 

 unpruned, and the strong shoots should not be 

 pruned too severely, as this would only encourage 

 a strong growth ; but in the event of a very strong 

 shoot presenting itself, it is far better to cut it 

 right away. X&cy strong shoots are only decep- 

 tive, and give little or no fruit. The best sort of 

 " wood " is that of the thickness of a small lead 

 pencil, or even smaller, as the size of a small straw 

 or telegraph wire. Thus it is best to preserve a 



