On a new Method of training Fruit Trees. 35 



the process of nature ; in both eases a stagnation of the true 

 sap is obtained in the fruiting branches, and the redundant 

 nutriment then passes into the fruit. 



I have sometimes found that after the circle of bark has 

 been removed, a small portion of the inner bark has adhered 

 to the alburnum : it is of the utmost importance to remove 

 this, though ever so small, otherwise in a very short space 

 of time, the communication is again established with the 

 root, and little or no effect produced. Therefore in about 

 ten days after the first operation has been performed, 1 

 generally look at the part from whence? the bark was re- 

 moved, and separate any small portion, which, may have 

 escaped the knife the first time. 



T am, sir, yoqr obedient servant, 



Pltmaston, Worcestershire, JOHN WlLLlAMS. 



April 20, 1803. 



, ■ 1 — , . 



VII. On a new Method of training Fruit Trees.; -By Thos. 

 Andrew Knight, Esq.> F.R.S., &cY*- 



Jb rom the result of experiments I have made to ascertain 

 the influence of gravitation on the descending sap of trees, 

 and the cause of the descent of the radicle, and ascent of 

 the expanding plumule of germinating seeds f, T have been 

 induced to believe that none of the forms, in which fruit 

 trees are generally trained, are those best calculated to pro- 

 mote an equal distribution of the circulating fluids ; by 

 which alone permanent health and vigour, and power to 

 aflbrd a succession of abundant crops, can be given. I have 

 therefore been led to try a method of training which is, I 

 believe, different from any mat has been practised; and as 

 the success of this method has fully answered every expec- 

 tation I had formed, I have thought a concise account of it 

 might not be unacceptable™ the Horticultural Society. I 

 confine my account to the peach tree, though, with a little 

 variation, the method of training and pruning, that I re- 



* From Transactions of the Horticultural Society, vol. i. 

 f PhilosophicalTramactvons, 1806 and 1807. 



C 2 commend,* 



