30 



FRUIT TREES. 



those upon the branches cut short, but they are much 

 more numerous, and determine the formation of a 

 great mass of woody tissue and buds, which do not 

 fail to weaken the strong part to the profit of the 

 feeble one. 



But when the re-establishment of an exhausted tree 

 is in question, the circumstances are altogether dif- 

 ferent. Instead of pruning down certain branches 

 only, we submit all the branches upon the tree to the 

 same treatment, and the sap, not being drawn in too 

 great abundance either to one side or the other, acts 

 with equal intensity, and promotes the vigorous deve- 

 lopment of each separate branch : all this tends to 

 the formation of fresh wood and bark, more ample and 

 well constituted than the first, so that the new root 

 extensions better fulfil their functions, the tree recovers 

 its former vigour, and in due time recommences fruit- 

 bearing. 



The preceding remarks explain the cause of the 

 different results obtained by this operation, according 

 to the manner in which it is practised, and ought to 

 put an end to the differences which exist upon the 

 subject among different cultivators. 



The sap has always a tendency to flow towards the 

 extremity of the branches, and to make the terminal hud 

 develop with more vigour than the lateral ones. 



According to this principle, whenever we wish to 

 give greater length to a branch, we must train upon one 

 vigorous terminal bud, and not allow any other shoot 

 to grow that would draw away the action of the sap. 



