146 THE MODERN PEACH PRUNER. 



generally, to put down the leading branches so as 

 to induce the tree to form the U or goblet shape, 

 and also to keep the branches at proper intervals, 

 by means of slender rods. One season of neglect 

 is enough to spoil the whole appearance of any 

 bush tree ; indeed, it is rare we see any very hand- 

 some specimens after a certain age. Half standards 

 are much easier to keep in form. 



Generally speaking, after a maiden tree has been 

 headed down to six or seven buds (an odd number 

 being preferable), the shoots proceeding from these 

 buds should be trained carefully from the outset, 

 and regularly stopped to equalise their growth. 

 Should the tree not put forth a sufficient number 

 of shoots, cut off the ends of those formed early 

 in June, and from their points second growths will 

 spring, from which the requisite number can be 

 selected to shape the tree. This is for ordinary 

 bushes ; possibly for U-shaped trees where the 

 shoots are strong, it would be preferable to cut 

 them back in May, so as to induce them to fork 

 lower down. The equalising of the whole form is 

 to be continually attended to by stopping any shoot 

 which protrudes. By cutting to a bud which 

 points outwards, the centre is kept more open in any 

 case. Any laterals, later in the season, on the 

 upper portions, can be slightly equalised as shown 

 in No. 14- 



