44 



TRAINING. 



be left to ripen on the weaker branch. This will tend to restore the 

 equilibrium better than any other method. Fig. 28 presents us with the 

 figure of a tree in a more advanced state, well balanced, and well calcu- 

 lated for an equal distribution of the sap all over its surface. [We have 

 varied this figure by representing it trained on a trellis, instead of a 

 wall.] Whenever any of the lower shoots have advanced so far as to 

 incommode the others, they should be cut back to a yearling shoot ; this 

 will give them room, and keep the lower part of the tree in order. In 

 nailing to a wall, care must be taken not to bruise any part of the shoot ; 

 the wounds made by the knife heal quickly, but a bruise often proves 

 incurable. Never let a nail gall any part of the tree ; it will endanger 

 the life of the branch. In nailing-in the young shoots, dispose them as 

 straight and regular as possible ; it will look workman-like. Whatever 

 system of training is pursued, the leading branches should be laid-in in 

 the exact position they are to remain ; for wherever a large branch is 

 brought down to fill the lower part of the wall, the free ascent of the sap 

 is obstructed by the extension of the upper, and contraction of the lower 

 parts of the branch. It is thus robbed of part of its former vigor, while 

 it seldom fails to throw out, immediately behind the parts most bent, 

 one or more vigorous shoots." 



Horizontal training consists in preserving an upright leader, with 

 lateral shoots trained at regular intervals. These intervals may be from 

 a foot to eighteen inches for pears and apples, and about nine inches for 

 cherries and plums. " A maiden plant with three shoots having been 

 procured, the two side shoots are laid in horizontally, 

 Jl and the centre one upiight, as in Fig. 29 ; all the buds 



I being rubbed ofi' the latter but three, viz. : one next 



f the top for a vertical leader, and one on each side near 



""^^'=*'«^^r^ -r- ^j^^ ^^^^ horizonal branches. In the course of the 

 first summer after planting, the shoots may be allowed 

 to grow without being stopped. In the autumn of 

 the first year the two laterals produced are nailed or 

 tied in, and also the shoots produced from the extre- 

 mities of the lower latends; the centre shoot being headed dowTias before, 

 as shown in Fig. 30. But in the second summer, when the main shoot 

 has attained the length of ten or twelve inches, it may be stopped ; which, 

 if the plant is in proper vigor, will cause it to throw out two horizontal 

 branches, in addition to those 

 wliich were thrown out from 

 those of the preceding year. 

 The tree will now be in its 

 second summer, and will have 



Horizontal training, first 

 stage. 



Horizontal traiaing, second stage. Horizontal training, third stage. 



four horizontal branches on each side of the upright stem, as in Fig. 

 3 1 ; and, by persevering in this system, four horizontal branches will be 



