The record-union., 1895-01-12
ORCHARD PRUNING.
Some Plain Directions for Young
Orchardists.
The Training of the Tree the First
Three Years Makes or
Ruins 1t.

bLOWSIS lIulI idfID. MT. OOeGtSCn is
practical; observant, scientific student of
fruit culture. and we commend his
article to the attention of all fruit grow
ers:
Nothing can be mentioned in the whole
line of horticulture where so many diff
1erent opinions and notions crop out as
on the subject of pruning. 1t is with
some little misgiving l approach it,
partly tor the reason just mentioned, and
partly because 1t is no easy matter 10
generaliZe and lay down maXims where
varying conditions continually call Tor
modification of treatment. l shall, never
theless, make the attempt to crowd into
a column that which properly calls for
more space.
y young tree is pruned with certain
objects in view, among which are the
disposition of a certain number of limbs,
SO as 10 balance the tree and present the
minimum chances OF splitting under
stress OF wind or heavy load, set at such
an angle as not to interfere with horse
work and stocky enough to bear the
future load without proppipg or break
ing, forming IA top with the maximum
bearing surface without sacrificing the
convenience of having the fruit within
reach of an ordinary step-ladder. 1t
should, however, be borne IN mind that
these objects cannot always be obtained
men, have habits which are sometimes
hard TO curb, yet enough can be accom-
pliShed by Intelligent treatment to ma
lerially assist nature to hold The spread
ing limbs OF one within reasonable limits
and to prevent another from getting
tangled in the clouds.
The foundation OF tree is laid during
the first two or three years after its re-
moval from the nursery to its permanent
home. Alter planting 1t should De cut
back to a single stock from twenty -four
TO thirty inches in length according to
the habit OF the tree. Nothing is gained
by cutting lower. The patent gatherers
low i'll the market demand about twenty
inches of trunk in order to work well,
and this is about all there is left of such
stem alter the main limbs have been
sprung from it little distance apart. Ii
Is short enough TO be shaded by its own
top when the sun attends strictly to busi-
ness; ii allows OF better angie and some
shortening of the lower limbs which ii
anything is an element of strength. All
this is obvious when it is considered for
moment that the principal TOD must be
formed in such a manner as to admit
men and animals under its branches.
We may hear OF cultlvating with spade
and shovel but comment Is unnecessary
when the present price of fruit is con-
sidered. | have dealt at length SEEM
ingly upon trItiing matter but it was
done to emphasize The fact that If a mis-
take was made at this time it cannot
we'll be remedied in the future.
II the tree Is planted right and olher-
wise treated properly, it VIII send up
number OF shoots during the summer.
The following winter select three or these
and cut them back to about twenty
inches the others must be regarded as
supertiuous and should be removed with
out mercy. DO not attempt to make
pretty little tree at this Tins, but have an
eye only for the future. -Four limbs may
be left in extreme cases where three cam
not be made 10 balance; If more are left
1t will be regretted when to late TO mend.
II they are lett they will be weak, owing
10 their number; if cut out aiterward
then that much tree energy has been
spent in vain, besides leaving a lopsided,
disappearing tree, to say nothing OF
wounds, scars ana troublesome sprouts,
all OF which might have been prevented
by little foresight and a few timely
clips OF the shears.
Let your tree have pretty much its own
way during the coming summer. When
1t is in the dormant state give it similar
treatment as the preceding season; re-
move all the shoots except Two, or some
times, not oiJen, three on each of the
prOngS lett standing the previous winter.
They should be cut back to about twenty
inches or so, the outside ones little
shorter If preferred. The little twigs
that have appeared on the two-year-o
wood should be left alone. Make a clean
upward slanting cut just above bud,
not too hight Will leave dry stump
nor into the quick, You may guess why.
Cut for an lusiae bud II the tree has
spreading habits; for an outside one, if
The reverse. Have an eye to symmetry,
and nature viii do the rest.
Next winter cut back one-balf the sea-
sons growth, trim to from two 10 four on
each prong; let your tops spread a little
more because you are getting some dis
tance from the ground. Some prefer to
let trees with all erect tendency, such as
French prunes and Bartlett pears, now
grow for two seasons without cutting
back-they claim that it will force out
moro fruit spurs and more effectually
correct their faulty habits-whiIe others
prune without intermiSsion, and, if
necessary, thin and cut back the follow
ing winter. l am inclined to favor the
latter method, after having tried the for
mer on a small scale without satisfactory
results.
Some trees require but little pruning
after this-judgment and good sense must
dictate according to conditions; Others
and among these are aprlcots, and espe-
cially peaches, should be pruped more or
less severely during the whole term Of
their natural life; 1t results IN the pro-
without which no tirst-cIass fruit need be
expected.
Don't prune your trees at this time ltk g
Chiuaman; that is cut OIL the branch
where it may be reached most convent
emily without regard OF leaving branch
near the wound. Don't leave big holes
in the top; if you do you may expose the
limbs TO sun scaid next summer.
Generally speaking, the time TO prune
is during the winter season, but apricOts
may be cut back with good results in
August, or say after the crop has been
gathered. The same may be said of some
early peaches. Some favor pruning april
cots While in bloom, thereby saving TO a
great extent the thinning OF the crop, but
OF this 1 cannot speak from personal OBJ
seryation.
Excellent as the results are to summer
prune young trees IN some localities, 1t Is
not advisable here owing TO the ravageS
oil the little thrp.
Finally, let it be remembered that tree
needs something else besides pruning.
Among the good things which 1t enjoys
may be mentioned well-dralned soil, a
taste OF fertilizers now and then, thorough
cultivation, and little Cache Creek water
applied under the Wright law.-Mail OF
Woodland.
DIR. PRICES Baking Powder is perfect
in every requisite as a housekeeper' S
friend.