THE PEACH. 



141 



it is more prudent to allow an interval of two years 

 between the formation of the first and second sets of 

 side branches. By this means the growth of the lower 

 branches will be best promoted, they having always a 

 tendency to be less vigorous than the higher ones. 



During the following summer the terminal buds 

 must receive such attention as is necessary to keep 

 them in the same degree of vigour. The other buds 

 must be treated as described on p. 146, in order to 

 transform them into fruit-branches. 



Third Pruning, — At the third spring the young 

 peach tree will resemble fig. 116. The main stem must 

 now be cut 24 inches above the spring of the side 

 branches at A, above the two side buds B and C, 

 intended to develop two new side branches, and a bud 

 in front to prolong the main stem. The side branches 

 must be cut back about one-third of their new growth 

 at D, in order to make them develop all their remain- 

 ing buds. 



In pruning the side branches, it is of importance to 

 give the same length to each of the parallel branches, 

 in order to maintain an equilibrium between both sides 

 of the tree. If one side branch has become stronger 

 than the corresponding one, it must be cut rather 

 shorter. The fruit-branches growing towards the 

 lower part of the tree must be treated as described 

 further on (p. 152). 



During the whole of the summer the same treat- 

 ment must be applied to the principal shoots as in the 

 year preceding. 



Fourth Pruning, — The result of the operations of 



