'WINTER AND SUMMER PRUNING. The principal object to be kept in view in pruning i is to calculate so we may keep the top in proper shape, and so equalize all that each por tion of the tree may have a due proportion of light and air, so far as practicable; and, that the tree may form its head from a single stem regu larly, and from a given height, keeping the branches regular, and of as equal size as possible, each having as due a proportion of sap as may be. In this the operator must have due regard to the variety, so that the natural habit of the tree may be preserved so far as possible. There fore no rule can be laid down that will apply to all; for, some are pendulous, others upright, and others again are spreading. The operator must study the natural habit of each, and use his judgment accordingly. In the West, however, all orchard trees should have their trunks shaded so far as possible, and their tops should be kept as dense as possible, affording at the same time due amount of light in every part. Why? We know that all varieties of Orchard fruit, whatever their natural locality, require free circula,tion of air, and a due proportion of sunlight; for, fruits grown in deep shade are never fine in color or flavor; and; this, in proportion to such exclusion. When the top is so dense as to exclude a proper circulation of air, and are deprived of proper light, the leaves are pale, watery, and conse quently incapable of their proper functions as elaborators of sap, etc. But trees require a moist atmosphere, and hence, in the West, they may not be so severely pruned as on the sea coast, or near other large bodies of water. If, however, they be deprived of proper light and air, the weaker portions gradually sicken, and at length die and become harbors for insects, and the decay may gradually extend to other parts of the tree. Therefore all branches or shoots show ing signs of disease or decay should be immedi ately removed. This accomplished, and the head kept sufficiently open so that the branches and foliage do not interfere, and yet kept suffi ciently dense so the trunk and ground beneath may be well shaded, is about all that is required in ordinary orchard pruning in the West. In pruning, the natural habit of the tree must be preserved so far as possible. The three princi pal forms of growth are : First, conical shaped, second, round topped, and third, spreading. Types of these, with a strong upward tendency, are, Sweet June, and Paradise Winter Sweet; those with round heads, Fameuse, and Golden Russett, and those with spreading tops, Tallman Sweet, and Bellflower. To these may be added
Primate, Rhode Island Greening, and Stannard, as crooked and irregular growers. It is evident that these will all require different systems of pruning. This should always be done with a view to preserve their natural inclination, so far as possible. The first two simply require to be kept in shape, and thinned only sufficiently to duly admit light and air. The two latter, to be shortened in only sufficiently to induce thicker growth, and induce, so far as maybe, symmetry; always keeping the top thoroughly well clothed with leaves. No pruning is better than mutila tion. And yet the usual rule is to send the hired man into the orchard some time in winter, with an axe and saw; and after, have him cart out the limbs on a hay rack to the brush heap. Is it any wonder, then, that the mutilated skeletons remaining, clothe themselves with water sprouts and refuse to bear fruit, or that they sicken, de cay, and soon die? Is it any wonder that such pruning tends to intensify the idea that it is cheaper to buy fruit than to raise it? In conclu sion, the following may be adopted as the ten commandments in fruit planting for the ordinary farmer, who does not profess to be a finished horticulturist: 1. Plant only such varieties as are generally known to be hardy. 2. Select only well formed, trees. 3. Prepare for the orchard on a well drained spot, and bring the soil into good tilth. 4. Plant your trees carefully and pack the earth well around the roots. 5. Force them to remain upright by staking, or otherwise, until they get thoroughly established. 6. Induce twig growth on the stems, while young, to strengthen them, and cut back the young tops to induce a close, firm head. 7. Shade the stems until the top gets sufficient size to do so them selves. 8. Form the heads as low and as dense as possible, having due regard to convenience, and light and air; you have no business with a horse and plow next the trunks. 9. Keep the ground iu good heart, and well stirred, up to the middle of July. 10. Keep the pruning knife and saw out of your orchard, except to reduce super abundant and straggling growth, and take this out whenever seen. Thus every farmer may grow sufficient fruit for home use, cheaper than he can buy it.