356 SOME SPECIFIC MODES OF TRAINING 



"THE PYRAMID. An old and a good form, suitable es- 

 pecially for pear trees. Its advantages are, that it can be 

 cultivated in borders, where it relatively takes up little 

 room; that it freely allows circulation of air and light; 

 that it casts very little shade ; and that it bears abundantly. 

 The pyramid or cone consists of a principal or vertical stem, 

 covered with lateral branches from a point thirty centime- 

 ters [a centimeter is about two-fifths of an inch] above the 

 ground to the top of the tree. The branches, which grow 

 somewhat obliquely, are separated from each other by a 

 distance of about thirty centimeters, diminishing gradually 

 in length from the bottom to the top, thus forming a cone, 

 the largest diameter of which is about one-third of the 

 total height. 



"THE COLUMN OR SPINDLE. This form is adapted to 

 pears and apple trees. It has the advantage of taking up 

 less room than the pyramid, and of bearing more quickly. 

 On the other hand, it is not so long-lived, and is suitable 

 for less vigorous varieties only. The column differs from 

 the pyramid only in the fact that its lateral branches are 

 shorter. 



"THE VASE. Around a central stem, and at a distance 

 of about fifteen centimeters above the ground, arise 

 branches which grow first horizontally and then vertically, 

 in such a way as to give to the entire tree the form of a 

 vase. The branches must be separated from each other by 

 a distance of about thirty centimeters, and they are main- 

 tained in this position by tying them to hoops fastened to 

 stakes inserted in the ground. This form is justly much 

 esteemed. It freely allows a circulation of light and air 

 through all its parts. 



"THE BUSH OR TUFT. The bush is suitable for currants, 

 raspberries, etc. From the crotch of the plant, or at a short 

 distance above the ground, arise branches which grow in 

 every direction. It is simply necessary to train them so 

 that they do not interfere with each other. 



