FRUIT WALLS 349 



outhouse is not only a decoration but is an ob- 

 ject of much interest and, if the location, variety 

 and training are right, it should yield fruit of 

 extra quality. It should be said that these 

 trained trees cannot compete with orchard trees 

 in quantity of fruit, but they should surpass 

 them in the quality of the product. 



Following is specific advice, from the English 

 standpoint, on the arrangement and construction 

 of walls and fences,* by Cheal: 



"WALLS. The arrangement and position of walls will, of 

 course, depend upon the size and the nature of the sur- 

 roundings, etc., but they should always be arranged, if pos- 

 sible, in a square, with the principal wall facing south, or 

 as nearly so as practicable. Where it is possible, place the 

 walls in such a position that the outside as well as the inside 

 borders may be used for fruit, thus making use of the whole 

 of the wall space; and bear in mind that upon the north 

 side many useful fruits may be grown. The position, size 

 and requirements are so varied that it is impossible in the 

 compass of this work to give more than a general idea as to 

 arrangements. 



"The height of the walls should be from eight feet to 

 fifteen feet, according to circumstances. In most cases the 

 south wall may be lower, to admit more sunshine into the 

 garden ; and in the case of large gardens, one or more cross 

 walls may also be introduced. As to their construction, 

 they should be built without any piers. Architects have 

 generally a great fancy for piers, and in many instances, 

 insist upon having them ; but walls can be built without 

 piers, and they are always a great difficulty and nuisance to 



*J. Cheal, "Practical Fruit-Culture," London, 1892, 112. 



