164 



THE GARDEN MAGAZINE 



November, 1911 



As useful as it is handsome! A system of prun- 

 ing that almost makes an aeroplane a necessity in 

 picking the fruit. The type is a remnant of bad 

 old times 



Thers is too much young wood on this tree. The 

 result of indefinite "trimming" without a pur- 

 pose well in view. Needs thinning 



The result of letting the tree get out of control 

 and trying to recover it all at once. Better give 

 regular yearly attention 



insects, diseases, bacteria, as well as the 

 far more desirous but far less numerous 

 flickers and blue birds. Yet as you think 

 of it why should not a thrifty, healthy, 

 sound tree appeal even more than a 

 gnarled, stumpy wreck? Here is an 

 opportunity for the reconstruction of 

 artistic ideals and values, wherein our 

 beacon will be health, strength, usefulness, 

 rather than old age — crippled, diseased, 

 impotent. 



6. For quality's sake, thin the fruit. To 

 glance ahead toward summer pruning 

 for a moment, let me mention the necessity 

 of thinning. The more blossoms a tree 

 bears the better, for they indicate vigor 

 and prolificacy. But as we cannot expect 

 every flower to set a fruit, so we must 

 prepare to sacrifice at least a third of the 

 fruit that does form, for the sake of the 

 rest. All that is left will increase in size 

 and improve in quality until it more 

 than makes up for the lessened amount. 

 Indirectly this is also our aim, though on 

 a larger scale, in reducing the bearing wood 

 of the tree by our winter pruning. Whether 

 your fruit is destined for market or for 

 your own table only, set quality far above 

 mere numbers and strive for it along the 

 lines that have been outlined. 



7. Let neatness be an inseparable .factor 

 of your pruning operations A brush pile 

 in an orchard is more than an eyesore, 

 it is the hiding place for all the enemies 

 already warned against, and for rabbits 

 and mice besides. In the first place, 

 let the orchard replenish the wood- 

 pile. The kindling and the fuel for the 

 open fireplace that can be obtained from 

 the old trees each year is of no small 

 account. Indeed this is one of the many 

 important, yet inconspicuous economies 

 that lie ready to be taken advantage of 

 on every farm. Whatever brush is too 

 small for the fireplace or stove should be 

 burned at once, and the ashes spread about 

 among the trees. 



8. Lastly (and this is more in the nature 

 of a postscript always applicable), prac- 

 tise economy in the care of your pruning 

 tools. It is not alone the time that is 

 wasted when your saw or your shears are 

 dull, but also your energies; and your 

 temper and good nature are sadly frayed 

 and frazzled; and, worst of all, your trees 

 are scraped and torn and injured. Yet 

 for not one of these results is there any 

 excuse — a few drops of oil regularly 

 applied, the frequent use of a file and a 

 good oilstone, a dry place in which to keep 

 the implements, and their use becomes not 

 a task, but a profitable recreation. 



Hitherto I have referred, in both text 

 and illustrations, solely to the pruning of 

 apple trees. All the principles involved 

 apply equally well to the care of the pear, 

 the quince, and in fact to all fruit trees 

 that can be pruned at all in winter. The 

 peach is the most important omission from 

 this group, being most successfully pruned 

 in the summer. However, that is another 

 question. Right now is the time to fall 

 prune, so set about it without delay. 



Not worth bothering over! It spreads over too 

 much good land and is an open house for disease 

 and insect pests. Cut it down! 



Where the trouble commonly begins. The care- 

 less pruner who leaves a stub also leaves the tree 

 open to sure decay 



He is leaving a sauare ended cut. Easier and bet- 

 ter to cut flush with the main branch 



