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THE MODERN PEACH PRUNER. 



especially if placed on the under side, much sap, 

 will generally not extend much, and if the season 

 be very favourable, some will become converted 

 into cluster-spurs (class 5). These must, therefore, 

 be retained untouched. Their character is dis- 

 cernible by May. Should they extend more freely 

 they will pass out of class 5, and become rather 

 slender shoots, and should not be stopped at all, 

 not being in a position to become gross shoots 

 (class 4). The buds situated on the central third 

 portion of each branch will extend freely, and be 

 the principal fruit-bearers of classes 2 and 3. They 

 should be stopped at 12 inches as soon as they 

 have made 15 inches of growth, and be lightly tied 

 in during the season of growth, at regular inter- 

 vals, and at nearly the same angle as the branch. 

 The buds situated on the upper third portion of 

 the branch should be treated in the same manner ; 

 and should any exhibit the appearance of be- 

 coming gross shoots, of class 4, they should be cut 

 down at once to two eyes, from which one new 

 shoot is to be selected (the best placed, and the 

 weakest) to fill up the vacant place. This will be 

 a shoot of a valueless character, long between the 

 joints, and of class 1 ; but it cannot be avoided. 



The extension, or new growth, of each leading 

 branch must be allowed to develope freely. Care 

 must be taken to guide these branches in the proper 



