102 



FRUIT TREES. 



extensions of the laterals as in former years. By this 

 time the lower laterals have generally grown sufficiently 

 long to allow of their being curved in a vertical direc- 

 tion, as shown by the figure 89. A bent piece of wood 

 may be used to form the curve and keep the branches 

 in position. They must be encouraged to extend them- 

 selves in a vertical direction, forming successive exten- 

 sions, to be cut back one-third of their length each 

 year. When they have reached the top of the wall 

 they must be cut oS to 18 inches each year below the 

 coping, in order to leave room for the terminal shoot, 

 required each year, to draw the sap to that point, and 

 in passing upwards to supply and nourish the fruit- 

 branches. All the lateral branches are subjected to 

 this treatment. Towards the sixteenth or eighteenth 

 year the wood of the tree will be completely esta- 

 blished. It will then cover a space of about 20 square 

 yards, and present the aspect of figure 84. 



The symmetry and regularity of the wood are impor- 

 tant, not only as regards the appearance of the tree, but 

 also, and most of all, to secure an equal degree of vigour 

 in all parts, and thus to promote the fertility and dura- 

 tion of the tree. We shall not always find at the time 

 of winter pruning buds suitably placed for forming the 

 new branches. When this happens, the inconvenience 

 may be counteracted by budding, in August, on the 

 places where the buds are deficient. [If desirable a 

 bud of another variety may be inserted.] 



Pruning the Fruit- Branches, — All that we have said 

 at present respecting Yerrier's palmette relates to the 

 wood-branches. The treatment of the fruit-branches 



