340 FORCING DEPARTMENT. 



deficiency of wood, in order that they may produce 

 a supply for the ensuing year's crop ; but such as are 

 intended for this purpose, are often too luxuriant for 

 bearing fruit, in consequence of the shoot's being too 

 much cut in, which should, therefore, be left from 

 eighteen inches to two feet long, according to their 

 strength. If left above two feet, it is apt to leave 

 the lower part of the branch naked and unsightly. 

 It is, however, more advisable to cut rather too long 

 than too short, when the trees have a propensity 

 to luxuriance ; and if any of the bottom eyes remain 

 dormant, when wood is wanted, the shoot should be 

 again shortened, which will cause the lower parts 

 to push, and produce kinder wood than appears at 

 the extremity of the branch. The shoots that are 

 of a medium size,, and full of flower buds, may be 

 laid in at full length, from two to three inches apart, 

 shortening only the leading ones; but always ob- 

 serving to cut a little above a wood bud, otherwise 

 the fruit will but seldom come to maturity, for the 

 want of a leader to draw up the nourishment. The 

 trees will require to be frequently examined in the 

 Summer months, and divested of the supernumerary 

 and fore-right shoots. The form that is generally 

 adapted for training the Peach Tree, and other stone 

 fruits, is the fan-form, which appears to me pre- 

 ferable to any other; but much nicety is required 

 in giving an equal distribution of the leading or 

 main branches, and to place them so as to be free 

 from all bends, and that the younger shoots may be 

 arranged, without having a confused or crowded 

 appearance. 



