100 



THE MODERN PEACH PRUNER. 



is easy to perform, and the defect in our tree is 

 conspicuous. The object in this instance is to cause 

 the production of a cluster-shoot or spur (" May 

 cluster") at the base of the offending lateral. He 

 proceeds in the following manner. By means of 

 a sharp-pointed instrument or lancet he pierces the 

 base of the already-developad lateral and the dor- 

 mant bud near it, so as to produce a deviation of 

 the vessels of the medullary canal, without, how- 

 ever, injuring the ligneous formation. The vessels 

 being cut, a temporary concentration of the cam- 

 bium is induced ; a mass of cellular tissue results, 

 and ends in the production of a group of flower- 

 buds. By the next spring this group is well con- 

 stituted, and the lateral may then be suppressed, 

 leaving in its stead a group of buds as delineated 



In fig. 16, a represents the point of section; b, 



E 



Fig. 16. — PIERCING BASE OF LATERAL. 



