PRUNING. 
63 
away, and the younger it is when taken, the more good its removal 
does, because the other branches get the better. 
With regard to any one or two, or even three upright branches, 
though one strong one is worth three weakly ones, they may be short¬ 
ened down so that two or three good eyes may be fairly above the 
other branches, and that when they grow outward the next season, 
they may help fill up the head of the tree above; when the eyes 
begin to shoot, rub out all that come where they are not required, and 
leave those of which you are yet doubtful, as well as those you know 
will be wanted, because it is at this period you have such control by 
driving the whole strength of the tree into the branches that are 
wanted. In this way, you proceed until the head of the tree is the 
proper form and proportion, instead of, as we now see them every¬ 
where, a small, pimping, ungraceful head to a tall stem, or trunk. 
Whe~ once it has arrived at this perfection, which, with very little 
care and attention, it will, you may cut back every year’s wood to two 
eyes; cut out every weak shoot altogether, if you have not rubbed it 
off in the bud; cut out all that are in the way of free growth for the 
rest, and when any portion is confused by reason of the number of 
