PRUNING THE DIFFERENT TREE FRUITS 



263 



of pruning in order to stimulate growth and increase the size of 

 fruit. 



The Quince 



Practically no experimental evidence relative to the best 

 method of pruning the quince is available. 



In general the trees are trained to a low-spreading head, 

 the centers are kept open, and some heading back of the main 

 limbs is practiced during the first few years. 



(E, Tf. Mitchell) 



Fig. 97. This illustrates an effective home-made type of brush pusher. 

 The job of gathering and burning brush in a modern orchard is sub- 

 stantial and difficult. This pusher is tractor operated. Take two 

 hickory, ash or oak pieces, 2 inches by 6 inches, about 18 feet long; 

 lay them under the tractor and fasten to drawbar as shown in Fig. 98. 

 Flare the pieces outward in front of the tractor, but allow clearance 

 when tractor wheels are cramped. Bolt chains from two points on 

 the long cross piece to the front axle to permit steering the device, 

 and bolt on short pieces as shown ta make a rigid job. Taper the 

 prongs on top surfaces; erect a strong well-braced guard for the engine 

 radiator. Allow space back of guard for cranking the tractor. The 

 brush packs on firmly and can be pushed directly on to the fire, 

 backing the tractor away. Do not build large fires. Small fires are 

 more convenient and safer. 



