and proper methods of planting and pruning at that 
time is to invite disaster or, at least, unsatisfactory 
returns from one’s efforts. 
Apple and Pear—Select from three to five of the 
branches to form the permanent head of the tree 
These branches should be well distributed around the 
trunk, and at safe distance apart up and down the 
trunk. If two branches come out ,one exactly opposite 
the other, forming a crotch, a split may occur at this 
weak point in later life, when the tree is full of fruit. 
Shorten these selected branches to about five buds, cut- 
ting the branches just above a bud that points outward. 
Remove all the other branches close to the trunk, 
leaving no stub longer than one-eighth to one-quarter 
inch. Also shorten back two-thirds the central leader 
of the tree, and every effort should be made to leave 
one center branch as a central leader, 
Cherry—Five or six good limbs, well distributed 
along the trunk will be sufficient to form a well bal- 
anced top. The limbs left after pruning should not be 
eut back ag severely as recommended for some other 
classes, 
Peach, Sweet Cherry, Plum—Cut back all branches 
to about two or three buds leaving one central branch 
longer as a central leader. These limbs will form the 
permanent framework for the top, and subsequent 
growth may be pruned to meet the requirements or 
desire of the planter. 
Fruit trees must not be neglected after planting. Pro- 
vide a mulch around the tree or keep the soil well cul- 
tivated to prevent excessive drying out. Applications 
of barnyard manure or other commercial fertilizer 
strong in Nitrogen in very early spring is generally to 
‘be recommended for fruit trees. 
The after pruning of fruit trees should be with the 
aim of forming a symmetrical top, with an even dis- 
tribution of branches without any weak crotches; then 
thin out water sprouts and branches so os to allow 
plenty of air and sunlight into the tree; to cut back 
lateral branches only enough to keep them from be- 
coming too whippy and to top the leaders of the trees 
so that they may not become too tall. In case of Peach 
trees considerably more annual pruning is done on all 
branches to prevent the tree from setting more fruit 
than it can properly bring to maturity and to stimu- 
late an abundance of new growth which becomes the 
fruiting wood the second season, 
A careful watch should be made for borers and th 
should be dug out promptly whenever found. Peac 
tree borers are generally controlled by the use of Pari- 
di-Chloro—Benzene which should be used only accord- 
ing to directions. 
A thorough spray schedule must be followed for all 
fruit trees if a~good clean crop is expected. See spray 
schedule at back of this book. 
SMALL FRUITS 
Gooseberries and Currants—Prepare the ground by 
deep plowing or spading. Cut the plants back full 
one-half. Plant four feet apart both ways, same dep 
paed l 
