THE MAC ADA Ml A NUT IN HAWAII 17 
torrential rains until it has had ample time to soak into the earth 
beneath the trees. Another advantage of the cover crop is the green 
manure which it furnishes as humus when plowed under. Among 
the leguminous plants that may be used for this purpose are cow- 
peas (Vigna catjangr), namea (V. lutea), mungo bean (Phaseolus 
mungo), soybean (Glycine hispida), Crotalaria (C- juncea), pigeon 
pea (Cajanus inaica), and white sweetclover (Melilotus alba). 
Practically all these have been tried as orchard cover crops at the 
station with fairly good results. The cowpeas have given the most 
satisfaction. 
PRUNING 
From the beginning of the growth of the young Macadamia in 
the orchard the aim should be to develop a strong, symmetrical tree 
having a large trunk and a spreading top. The large branches form- 
ing the framework of the top should arise from different points oi 
i he upper portion of the trunk and be so shaped and strengthened as 
to sustain heavy crops of fruit. Pruning is the most commonly 
practiced method of training the Macadamia into the desired form. 
(Fig. 1.) 
During the early growth much of the formation of the tree may 
be controlled by hand pruning, that is by pinching out, with the 
thumb and finger, from time to time all buds which would become 
undesirable branches. By this method and -with the aid of the 
pruning shears the framework of the future top may be developed 
and excess terminal growth retarded. Neglecting to prune the trees 
may result in their breaking down under the force of strong winds. 
Pruning after the trees have reached bearing age should be done 
shortly after the crop has been harvested. Pruning, moreover, 
should be done regularly because delay necessitates heavy pruning 
later, which is likely to force vegetative growth rather than fruit 
wood. Sharp pruning shears should be used for the removal of small 
branches, and the pruning saw for large limbs. All wounds which 
are three-eighths inch across or larger should be smoothed off with a 
sharp pruning knife and painted to prevent decay, or the entrance of 
insects. Asphaltum paint has been satisfactorily used but a rather 
thick mixture of house paint may also be used to advantage. 
Another method of forming the Macadamia into a spreading top 
has been worked out by T. C. White, of Kealakekua, Island of 
Hawaii, and practiced by him and by Grant Bailey, manager of the 
Hoaeae ranch, Waipahu. Oahu. After the early branches of the trees 
have been allowed to grow naturally to the fourth, fifth, or sixth 
year, the long, upright branches are tied down to a horizontal position 
with No. 14 galvanized wire. The place of contact is protected with 
cloth to prevent injury to the bark, and each end of the wire is tied 
to separate stakes some distance apart to prevent swaying of the 
branches in the wind as much as possible. Holding the branch in this 
position tends to check the terminal growth and to produce laterals 
which build up the spreading top. The wires may be removed a 
few years later when the limbs to which they are attached have 
grown firmly into the position desired. This method greatly 
strengthens the framework of the to]). (Fig. 8.) 
