62 PRUNE TO INDUCE FRUITFULNESS, 
at the difference between the fruit produced on 
young and old trees. The former are open, the 
fruits are exposed to the sun, therefore they are not 
only large and perfect, but their skins are smooth, 
as though they were polished. This ought to teach 
us something about pruning; but this is only one 
poimt. We prune one portion of a tree to reduce 
its sizc, and to favor the growth of another and 
weaker part. We prune a stem, a branch or a shoot 
to produce ramification of their parts, and thus 
change and modify the whole form of the tree. We 
prune to induce fruitfulness and to diminish it. We 
prune in growing as well asin dormant seasons ; and 
finally we prune both roots and branches. Thus we 
see that pruning is applied to all parts of the trees 
at all seasons, and to produce the most opposite 
results.” 
From my own experience, and from what I have 
learned of those who have been engaged in growing 
pears on the most approved methods, all appear to 
have come to the conclusion, that the pyramidal or 
conical is the best form for standard as well as 
dwarf pears, for the following reasons: 
Ist. The largest surface is nearest the ground, 
and therefore less likely to suffer from heavy winds. 
2d. The fruit is not injured by falling from the 
tree. 
