Pruning 



211 



backward or weakling plant or tree seems to fall 

 first prey to the ravages of destructive forces. 



For these reasons the double necessity of main- 

 taining at all times good fertilization and thorough 

 cultivation will be seen. In addition to these two 

 factors, careful attention in the matter of pruning 

 is essential in keeping the trees in a healthy, robust 

 condition. As explained in a previous chapter, the 

 trees should be started right by pruning the first 

 season to the open-head or vase shape, which fur- 

 nishes the maximum of light and air to all parts of 

 the tree. Three or four main branches should form 

 the basis of the head, care being taken not to have 

 them start from directly opposite points on the 

 trunk, thus forming a crotch and leaving the tree 

 liable to splitting from winds or excessive crops. If 

 the tree is once started right, further pruning will 

 give little trouble. Cut out limbs which cross, or 

 are likely to rub against each other, or that are too 

 close together; and also any that are broken, de- 

 cayed, or injured in any way. For trees thus given 

 proper attention from the start, a short jackknife 

 will be the only pruning instrument required. 



The case of the old orchard is more difficult. 

 Cutting out too many of the old, large limbs at one 

 time is sure to give a severe shock to the vitality 

 of the tree. A better plan is, first, to cut off close 

 all suckers and all small new-growth limbs, except 



