1870.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 9 



formation of the trees, as it is impossible to give a pen-and-ink sketch 

 which would be alike satisfactory to instructor and instructed. 



Where dwarf-standards are desired, the weaker-growing sorts are 

 best. After the first year's growth, the leader may be cut back to 15 

 or 18 inches, leaving three or four nice plump buds to form the young 

 tree. These the following season must be cut back to about 1 foot, 

 using the knife with discretion, and bearing in mind the rules already 

 laid down. 



I have never tried the Plum as a pyramid, nor have I ever seen it 

 as such. From its general appearance and habit, and the mode of 

 pruning and training necessary, it is my opinion that, grown as 

 pyramids, it would not succeed. I may be wrong, but my idea is, that 

 as such it would be far more likely to make such growth as would 

 result in the production of wood in place of flower-buds. If any one 

 has grown the Plum in that way, and succeeded, it would give me 1 

 much pleasure to receive their experience through the pages of the 

 * Gardener.' 



No matter whether as a tall or dwarf standard, the Plum is much 

 benefited by a regular course of root-pruning. As I have said so 

 much upon this point when speaking of the Apple and Pear, it is only 

 needful to say that it is necessary, and may be commenced when 

 the young tree is two or three years of age, and continued regularly, 

 at intervals of two or three years, for a considerable length of time. 

 Great care must, however, be taken to dress neatly with a sharp knife 

 every root that is cut, so as to avoid, if possible, anything that would 

 tend to encourage canker, or the effusion of gum — the two great 

 enemies of the Plum cultivator. When this operation is performed, a 

 little fresh material, such as I shall presently recommend to Plum 

 cultivators, ought to be introduced round the trees ; and should the 

 winter be severe, or the following summer very dry, it will be found of 

 great advantage to give each tree a liberal mulching with good stable 

 manure. This, in fact, is a very safe practice, and may with advantage 

 be adopted under any circumstances. The best time to perform this 

 operation is in September or October, although, if care and caution 

 are exercised, it may with even greater advantage be performed in 

 August upon such trees as may not be bearing a crop of fruit. 



The soil which appears best to suit the Plum is a good strong loam, 

 although in its natural state it is generally found in light and dry 

 soils. When cultivated in soils of this description it flowers freely, 

 but sets its fruit badly, and the fruit is generally small and poor in 

 flavour. The best-flavoured and most handsome fruit is generally to 

 be obtained from trees planted in good, strong, and moderately rich 

 loam, which has been well drained, yet is not too dry. In soils of this 



