84 THE MODERN PEACH PRUNER. 



discernment may be required to select the proper 

 one, and to do so at the right time. Passing over 

 the shoots of the lowest third of each branch, 

 which are not troublesome, of those placed higher 

 up, the shoots nearest to the wall must be selected, 

 and the outer ones removed, whether on the upper 

 or lower sides of the branch. But, on the upper 

 third portion, which receives abundant sap, all the 

 weaker shoots should be selected for fruit-bearers, 

 no matter where placed. 



At the winter pruning of this the second year, 

 should any cluster-spurs appear, one or two may 

 be selected to bear the third season's fruit — that is, 

 if it be so desired, because the tree it yet very 

 young to bear. All the other shoots should now 

 be cut back to two good eyes. The leading 

 branches in this style of pruning are now shortened 

 by, say, one-fifth. To shorten more would be to 

 throw the tree into inconveniently long lateral 

 growth, requiring much interval between the 

 branches. Of course, this interval varies with the 

 style of pruning. Twenty inches is considered a 

 moderate interval. 



At the spring of the ensuing, or third season, 

 the tree will have acquired certain proportions and 

 form, and the shoots shortened last winter to two 

 eyes will each speedily develope two new shoots, 

 which shoots must now be carefully attended to, 



