96 



THE MODERN PEACH PRUNER. 



the* utility of a system which should serve, with 

 obvious changes, both for the house and for the 

 open wall, and each succeeding season has proved 

 that this is possible. 



No. 14. — The Premature Lateral. 



As some of the most successful growers have 

 devoted considerable attention to the proper treat- 

 ment of this summer lateral (anticipe of the 

 French), it would be improper here to pass it over; 

 and, indeed, it constitutes a certain basis in very 

 close or in-door pruning whereon to establish much 

 after work. In the open air it is also important, as 

 helping much to keep the fruit nearer to the wall, 

 and closer to the main branch when properly 

 treated. The premature lateral springs directly 

 from the wood of the year, whenever that wood is 

 of a certain strength. The gross shoot (class 4), 

 with these summer laterals springing from it, has 

 been already depicted. As an extension of a young 

 and healthy tree it frequently attains a considerable 

 size, and, provided due attention could be given to 

 directing and controlling its growth, we should be 

 glad to see it ; but the laterals which spring from 

 it, when so placed as to receive a great volume 

 of ascending sap, are apt to be troublesome to 

 manage. The bourgeon anticipe is naively called 



