THE PEACH. 



239 



the trellis, the two main branches are cut back to 

 sixteen or eighteen inches of the previous pruning, and 

 the two lower or secondary branches to twelve or sixteen 

 inches. 



The fruit branches are shortened to within two or three 

 buds of their base, and all are again fastened back in their 

 places. When the young shoots have reached the length 

 of three, four, or five inches, such as are badly placed 

 on the front or rear of the branches, or in any place inju- 

 rious to the symmetry of the tree, are removed. During 

 the summer the different branches must be laid in from 

 time to time, the most vigorous first. This year two m'ore 

 secondary branches must be obtained on each side, in the 

 same manner as in the previous year. Their growth is 

 also promoted by the same means. 



The fruit branches on the sides of the main branches 

 may give a few fruit this year, and those on the second- 

 ary branches may bear next year. 



The fruit branches that have borne are to be cut away 

 each year and replaced by others, therefore we must com- 

 mence to provide for these branches of replacement. 

 They are produced as follows : 



First, it may be observed that fruit branche'^ have gen- 

 erally one or more wood buds at their base. Sometimes 

 these will push and form branches of replacement with- 

 out any assistance, more than cutting back. In such a 

 case there is no difiiculty. When the fruit is ripe, or at 

 the next pruning, the fruit branch that has borne is cut 

 away, and the new one takes its place. But nature does 

 not always act thus. It is generally necessary to forcf 

 the development of these branches of replacement, without 

 which the branches in all their lower parts would become, 

 entirely denuded. 



Hence, then, when a branch of replacement fails to 

 appear by the ordinary m-ethod of shortening, we have 



