USEFUL MAXIMS. 



45 



2. In forming a tree it is an error to trust to 

 shortening bade the branches at the winter pruning. 

 A better mode would be, during the period of 

 growth, to incline a too strong branch to a hori- 

 zontal direction, and to tie up vertically a too 

 weak branch. Of all the plans adopted for this 

 purpose this is the simplest and the most effica- 

 cious. The weaker branch should also be allowed 

 a greater freedom, so that the sun and air may 

 have free access all around it. Any shoots on the 

 weaker branch which are to be ultimately removed, 

 should be allowed to remain on it as long as pos- 

 sible, to attract the sap to it. The more leaves 

 thus left the more strength does the branch gain. 

 The contrary practice, of course, should be applied 

 to the too vigorous branch of the other wing;. 

 Fruits exhaust the branch, as they require much 

 sap to nourish them ; therefore, we should not 

 leave too many on a weak branch, where, how- 

 eveiv, they generally soonest appear. 



JBy a combination of these simple means the 

 equilibrium of the vegetation of the tree may* be 

 restored during: the season of growth, leaving com- 

 paratively little to be done at the winter pruning. 

 Considerable amputations always injure trees, how- 

 ever well performed. The modern school espe- 

 cially recognises this principle, which is so much 

 aided by the summer-stopping of the shoots, that 



