We are told that the first part of the process is to select the very smallest seeds from the smallest plants, which is not at all unlikely, but I cannot speak to the fact from my own observation.
Robert FortuneWe all know that any thing which retards in any way the free circulation of the sap, also prevents to a certain extent the formation of wood and leaves.
Robert FortuneNature generally struggles against this treatment for a while, until her powers seem in a great measure exhausted, when she quietly yields to the power of the art.
Robert FortuneThe main stem was then in most cases twisted in a zigzag form, which process checked the flow of the sap, and at the same time encouraged the production of side branches at those parts of the stem where they were most desired.
Robert Fortune