iSyi.] THE FATES OF FRUIT-TREES. 17 



but this must not be overdone, or tlie result will be plants too loose in 

 growth to be suitable for the purpose here referred to. The green- 

 house varieties do very well plunged outdoors in summer, and, when 

 so treated, make the most robust and characteristic growths. For 

 such small plants as are suitable for table, the best way will be to 

 plunge them in a cold frame, when the lights can be put over them 

 during boisterous and wet w^eather. 



THE FATES 0¥ FKUIT - TREES. 



The leading gardeners of this country have never given the orchard- 

 house system of growing fruit-trees more than a very lukewarm advo- 

 cacy, perhaps partly because it does not fill the fruit-room, and partly 

 because it is after all but a fancy, as the growing of Auriculas or the 

 rearing of pigeons. Hard pinching and root-pruning, like the pinch- 

 ing-and-peace policy of our Government, seems an experiment which 

 is about worked out, and, like the milliner's fashions, gives place to 

 something very strikingly different — in this instance a return to a 

 more liberal and natural mode of culture. The era of restriction 

 seems waning fast : our venerable Vines and Pear-trees may yet see a 

 generation springing up around them to emulate and perpetuate their 

 fame. There is nothing new under the sun, an adage as old and of 

 as good authority as the Decalogue. The Chinese grew fruit-trees 

 in pots, and indeed many other trees, before the venerable Rivers ; 

 and no doubt the Celestials could show that they did so generations 

 before our Christian forefather Adam began to dress and keep a gar- 

 den. Certain it is that they can outdo Mr Rivers's Apple-trees 18 

 inches high borne down with fruit. Also the extension system is not 

 a new thing, but a very old system, the advantage of which we have 

 just " awakened to see," as Mr Cannell has been telling us. There 

 seems a good time coming for all fruit-trees, when their limbs shall 

 fear no hook - nosed pruning - knife. Raynor must recognise the 

 spirit of the age, and turn his pruning-hooks into spears. It is not 

 many years since we were seriously invited to grow our Grapes on old 

 snag-headed vines in pots, which were portrayed in all their grotesque 

 ferocity for our encouragement. Seriously, w^e are glad to hail the 

 advent of more enlightened notions on fruit-tree management. Good 

 culture does not consist in cutting and pinching root and branch, but 

 rather on food and warmth properly provided, watering, manuring, 

 and protection — like the modern doctor, trusting more to nature, and 

 assisting her to perfect herself, than to blood-letting and amputation. 



B 



