BELLAIR ON CORDONS 363 



first, and we direct these into the center of the space be- 

 tween the first two branches, training these framework 

 branches twenty centimeters from each other. Then we 

 trim the first branches (A) to a length double that of the 

 trunk. The space of twenty centimeters is not absolute ; 

 we can make it twenty-five centimeters. Then, instead of 

 planting the trees one meter apart, we can place them a 

 meter and a quarter, in such manner that the extremes of 

 the framework of neighboring trees shall be as far apart as 

 are the main branches of the tree itself. This second dis- 

 tance is preferable, as the branches receive more light and 

 air, a condition which is essential for good fruit-bearing. 



"The following years the treatment follows the method 

 indicated, with all the main branches [two pairs and the 

 trunk], but, however, taking care that we leave the outside 

 branches (A) a little longer than the others, so that they can 

 maintain their predominance. The tree thus treated arrives 

 at the height of the wall in the sixth year, if its vigor is 

 maintained and it meets with no accident." 



The treatment of a simple horizontal cordon 

 (Fig. 236) is thus described by Bellair:* 



"When grown in this way, the pear tree consists of a 

 stem bent at a distance of forty centimeters above the 

 ground, then trained horizontally and covered with fruit - 

 bearing branches. The cordons are trained as much as 

 possible toward the strongest light. If the plantation is 

 established on a slope, it is necessary to train the cordons 

 toward the summit of the slope. Only pears grafted on 

 quince stock, and apple trees grafted on Paradise or 

 Doucin stock, can be grown in this way. Pear trees and 

 apple trees grafted on their own stock are too vigorous, as 

 they require (for otherwise they would remain sterile) more 



*G. Ad. Bellair, "Les Arbres Fruitiers," Paris, 1891, 164. 



