The Canadian Horticulturist. 



121 



entirely appropriate to its surroundings. Fig. 647 shows a design for a foot- 

 bridge, which may be used as a suggestion for a design for one's own. Pliant 

 green withes form the sides above the 

 flooring, and unpeeled trunks of small 

 growth the portion below. Where slabs 

 can be obtained with the bark still remain- 

 ing upon them, they can be squared upon 

 the edges, and used instead of boards 

 for the flooring, thus adding to the rustic 

 effect of the whole. 



It is to be remembered that in all the figures given no attempt is made to 

 show the entire bridge, but simply the elevation of one side. Such bridges 

 will well repay their cost in the added security they give to men and animals, 

 and in the air of business-like thrift which they give a place. — Country Gent. 



Fio. 6i: 



Ppuningf Pear Trees. — Each year pear trees should receive a careful 

 vigorous pruning. In December, cut the season's growth back from a half to 

 two-thirds. This will generally leave about four buds on the new growth. 

 Whether the trees be of a dwarf or standard variety this annual pruning should 

 be given. Another thing : When pruning cut the branches so that the terminal 

 bud will grow from the center of the tree, not toward it. Prune also that the 

 terminal bud will not grow among other branches. Aim to prune so as to 

 allow the largest amount of free air and sunlight. Sunlight will enhance the 

 value of a barrel of large, red apples fully 50 per cent., and the same is true of 

 pears, although the visible efl'ect in the color is not so clear, yet the flavor is 

 noticeably much improved. The Clairgeau is a variety that must have sunshine 

 to mature properly. It is much like the Northern Spy apple in this respect. 

 Annual pruning keeps a tree in a thrifty, vigorous condition of growth, and 

 reduces the number of fruit spurs and buds. It is thus a system of fruit 

 thinning as well. — Farm and Home. 



FePtilizingf Fruit Trees. — Fruit trees need as much care and as good 

 manuring as any cultivated crop. Fruit trees especially give excellent returns 

 for the manure given. When the trees are set out they should be well manured 

 in order that they may get a good start. By well manuring, and carefully caring 

 for an orchard, we not only get fruit early, but in abundance. In the case of 

 dwarf fruit trees, whose roots do not penetrate very deep, a liberal dressing is 

 absolutely necessary to obtain a good quality of fruit. As it is often quite 

 difficult to obtain stable manure, sewage, or the like, we can get along just as 

 well, and in some cases better, perhaps, by the rational application of artificial 

 fertilizers, and in the case of orchards, we need not trouble ourselves so much 

 about the mechanical condition of the soil. 



