JANUARY. 
9 
the different manner in which the fruit is produced, even in the same 
variety of fruit tree. A close observer of these things, who has a 
knowledge of the theory of vegetation, will soon obtain more practical 
knowledge on the subject than all our writings can convey. The skilful 
pruner will always have an object in view; and will see at a glance the 
results of each cut he is about to make. Practice alone can give him 
this foresight as well as dexterity in the art. It is requisite also that 
he should know how to regulate the energies of his trees and the means 
at command to induce fruitfulness, to have the trees in a condition that, 
while one crop of fruit is coming to maturity, the organization of fruit 
buds for the following season is going on ; in short, to have the trees in 
a fit condition from year to year to produce a crop of fruit. This may 
be accomplished by timely stopping and thinning the luxuriant shoots 
during the summer growth, by regulating the crop of fruit, and by root 
pruning, which is in some soils a very important operation ; and every 
fruit grower ought to know quite as much of the root as he does of the 
branches of his trees. The above applies to trees growing too strong to 
be fruitful; but, on the other hand, when the trees are feeble from over 
cropping, or other causes, close pruning is requisite, together with light 
crops, and assisting the trees by top dressing, which will have the 
desired effect. 
The training of trees (which appeared in previous chapters) is in 
close connection with pruning, the one regulates the form of the tree, 
the other the fruiting shoots and spurs; the object in dividing the 
subject is to make it better understood. It is now intended to give a 
few practical hints on the pruning and general management of fruit trees, 
but it must be understood that, however plain the rules and directions 
for pruning may be stated, much must be left to the discretion of the 
operator, and which practice alone can teach; but before entering into 
detail it will be as well to give a few general hints on the art, that 
cannot well be departed from, viz., to preserve an equilibrium in the 
growth of every part of the tree ; to be prudent in the use of the knife, 
and never to amputate large branches if it can be avoided ; to aim at a 
medium between excessive growth and feebleness ; to remember that 
to organize fruit buds every leaf, young shoot, and bud require full 
exposure to solar light; and that it is natural for the larger branches to 
be shaded from the direct rays of a summer sun. Allow nothing to 
grow except what is required to carry on the proper functions of the 
tree, furnish bearing shoots, or to extend its branches. 
It is now proposed to give a short notice on the management of each 
kind of fruit separately, beginning with the Apricot, which is a favourite 
fruit, of easy cultivation, and thrives well in a deep, strong loam, pro¬ 
vided it be well drained. The Apricot came originally from Armenia, 
requiring a south, west, or east wall in this country to bring it to per¬ 
fection, except in the south of England, where it occasionally ripens its 
fruit on standard trees, and then only in warm, sheltered situations ; 
therefore it is not advisable to plant them in the open air, without the 
advantage of a wall. 
The Apricot being naturally a strong growing tree, it should have 
ample space to extend its branches, so that the leader may grow at 
