CHAP. V.J 
PRUNING. 
117 
These are strong, vigorous-growing branches, 
which are sent up from the main trunk of 
the tree, but which do not produce either 
flowers or fruit; and which, consequently, if 
the tree be full of wood, should be removed 
as soon as their true character is discovered. 
If, however, the tree have too little wood in 
the centre, or if it appear exhausted by too 
much bearing, these branches should be 
spared, as they will serve admirably both to 
fill up any blanks that may have been left in 
the training, and to strengthen the trunks 
and roots by the quantity of rich returning 
sap, which they will send down from their 
numerous leaves. A certain quantity of 
leaves and barren branches are essential to 
the health of every tree; and the fruit¬ 
grower who consults his own interest, should 
cherish them instead of grudging the sap 
required for their support. Whenever there 
is not a sufficient quantity of leaves to elabo¬ 
rate the sap, the fruit that ought to have 
been nourished by its rich juices, becomes 
flaccid and insipid; its skin grows tough 
instead of crisp; and if the deprivation of 
leaves has been carried to excess, the fruit 
