ORCHARD-HOUSE PRUNING AND TRAINING. 131 



space of time ought, in the orchard-house, to 

 constitute them well. The second growth then 

 should be stopped at two leaves, as soon as three 

 leaves are formed. 



Stopping the third growth is not very important. 

 It may be checked at two leaves if the shoots 

 prosper; but should the tree appear generally 

 too feeble, arising from undue cropping or from 

 attacks of insects, it would be best to allow the 

 third growth to extend in proportion. The pruner 

 will soon know when to check and when to allow 

 growth. It is also evident that the shoots on the 

 lower portions of the bush trees, and especially 

 under the branches, will not be so vigorous as those 

 near the extremities, which receive so much sap, 

 and are so much nearer to the glass; therefore, on 

 these lower parts, the pruner will expect only 

 cluster spurs, which must not be touched, and, in 

 the central portions, barren spray. This last dis- 

 agreeable type of shoot should be removed 

 whenever possible. It is considered by some as a 

 proof of degeneration in the tree ; by others it is 

 considered as able to bear. It cannot, however^ 

 be utilised, having no terminal leaf bud, which it 

 is necessary for every class of shoot left to have. 

 Shoots well placed on the lower portions of bush 

 trees, if not crowding towards the centre, which 

 should always be left open to the sun and air, are 

 i 2 



