376 



THE PALMETTE VERRIER. 



thickening at its base. During the second year no more 

 branches mnst be permitted to grow, simply because the 

 trainer desires to throw all the strength he can into the 

 lower branches, which are to be the longest. Sometimes, 

 however, the strength of the lower branches will permit the 

 second stage of branches to be made during the second year 

 of training. At the third pruning the trees will present 

 somewhat the appearance of Fig. 173, the central stem 

 being cut at six inches or so above the previous incision, 

 which is indicated by a slight ring, and a third part of the 

 new growth of the side branches cut off, as shown on the 



Fig. 175. 



The Palmette Verrier. Fifth pruning. 



side branches of Fig. 173. Here, again, we cut above and 

 inside of three promising eyes to obtain a new set of 

 branches, and each succeeding year add another series 

 until the tree is formed. Fig. 174 represents the aspect 

 of the young tree at the fourth pruning. At the end 

 of the following growing season the specimen will have 

 grown sufficiently to allow the lower branches to be turned 

 up towards the top of the wall, and begin to look shapely. 

 Fig. 175 is an exact representation of what it ought to be 

 at that stage — A, and the cross marks, indicating where the 

 cuttings are to be made. Above all things is it necessary 

 to keep the growth and flow of sap equal, not only for the 



