108 



good lateral shoots in all parts of the tree, and leaving 

 a leader to each branch. 



Let them mostly be trained in at full length, all 

 summer, about three inches asunder, for next year's 

 bearers ; and divest them of any lateral twigs to pre- 

 vent a thicket-like intricacy, and to promote a healthy 

 fruitful growth in the shoots themselves. In the 

 course of the summer regulation, if any partial vacancy 

 occurs, or should a young tree under training want an 

 additional supply of wood, shorten some conveniently 

 placed strong shoot, in J une, to a few eyes, to furnish 

 a supply of laterals the same season. 



This disbudding and regulation should be done by 

 degrees. If many shoots and leaves are removed 

 suddenly, it occasions gumming, and over-luxuriance 

 in the shoots that remain. If shoots are very strong, 

 train them as nearly perpendicular as is admissable, 

 that there may be no check to the sap's return. 

 Shoots less robust train horizontally. {JohnsorCs 

 Diet, of Mod, Gardening,) 



Disbudding being one of the most important sum- 

 mer operations, some explanation of its principles and 

 the mode of operation may prove useful. It is neces- 

 sary to bear in mind that on the quality of foliage 

 with which a tree is furnished depends the increase 

 in diameter of the stem and branches, the extension 

 and increase of roots, and the production of fruit ; 

 and yet, that no more leaves should be retained than 



