14 THE BOOK OF PEARS AND PLUMS 



tried. The larger trees would need annual root-prun- 

 ing (Haifa side each year) to secure good crops. Train 

 pyramids from the nursery in a similar way, keeping the 

 upper branches in subjection to the lower, taking care 

 to let light into every part of the tree by summer prun- 

 ing. Pyramids on the Quince should be not less than 

 lo feet apart, 15 in strong soil with strong sorts (such 

 as Pitmaston Duchess, or Duchesse d'Angouleme) ; on 

 the Pear Stock in similar soil for strong sorts 20 feet 

 apart. Avoid crowding. Lift or root-prune rather 

 than crowd. Do not plant two trees of the same variety 

 close together. The pollen of a different sort may 

 make each tree more fruitful. Have hives of bees at no 

 great distance to promote fertilisation. 



The following are good sorts for pyramids : 



Citron des Carmes (on pear) early, Williams' Bon 

 Chretien, Clapp's Favourite, Marie Louise d'Uccle, 

 Duchesse d'Angouleme, Durondeau, Fondante d'Au- 

 tomne, Beurre Hardy, Beurre Superfin, Marechal de la 

 Cour, Doyenne du Cornice, Princess, Josephine de 

 Malines, Beurre Ranee. 



COOKING PEARS. Bellissime d'Hiver, Vicar of Wink- 

 field, Verulam. 



Others might be added. Some of these also do well 

 as bushes. 



COLUMNAR TREES 



are pyramids on a smaller scale, kept well in check 

 by lifting or root-pruning, more like a column than 

 a pyramid. In light soil this work would not be 

 needed. They are adapted for small gardens, and, 

 well managed, may be very useful. Plant from 8 to 

 lo feet apart. 



