Practical Orcharding On Rough Lands, 2 1 1 



before they are transplanted, in order that the 

 plants may grow more stocky and strengthen 

 their root system. It is for the general welfare 

 of the plant that the young tree is pruned when 

 transplanted; for it often happens that the root 

 system is much disturbed, in fact it is not un- 

 common for much of the nursery stock to lose 

 one-half or in some cases even more, of its 

 root system in being dug. Then it becomes 

 necessary in order that the top and root may 

 be balanced to use the pruning shears freely. 



The First Effect. — The first effect of 



pruning is the multiplication of branches. This 

 is particularly noticeable in young trees. For 

 instance take the yearling switch as soon as its 

 top is removed, let it be ever so small, a por- 

 tion of the buds at once begin their growth and 

 frequently we find branches starting along al- 

 most the entire length of the body. If we as 

 orchardists would only bear in mind this first 

 principle of pruning — the multiplication of 

 branches — we make many cuts we never would 

 have made, and neglect some that should have 

 been made. 



Pruning to Modify Vigor.™ We sometimes 

 see and frequently hear of trees that are making 

 too much growth. This often happens in the 

 rank growing shade trees, and they become top 



