22 THE BOOK OF PEARS AND PLUMS 



PRICES OF TREES 



The cost of Standards is usually from is. 6d. to 2s. 

 6d. ; Maidens or Yearlings Is. 6d. each, I2s. per dozen ; 

 Bush and Pyramids on Pear or Quince is. 6d. to 35. 

 6d. ; cordons, is. 6d. each, I2s. per dozen; double- 

 grafted trees 2s. 6d. to 35. 6d. 



GARDEN ORCHARDS 



Bush trees on the Quince are best for these. They 

 come soon into bearing, are interesting and sometimes 

 profitable. Heavy fruits have a better chance than those 

 on standards or on pyramids. These latter require more 

 time, and are more exposed to the wind. Pyramids can 

 soon be converted into bushes by cutting out the central 

 branch within 2 or 3 feet of the ground. Begin by en- 

 closing your orchard with a wire fence, then form a 

 hedge of damsons. Plant your pears 8 to 12 feet 

 apart. Keep avenues open for the transit of manures ; 

 one hard path or road may be very useful. Use inter- 

 mediate spaces for other crops while the bushes are 

 young. As crops cannot be expected every year, grow 

 gooseberries, strawberries, currants, salads, etc., in a large 

 plantation. Trees of the same variety should not be planted 

 next each other. Pollination is often promoted by a 

 different variety being close at hand. The following 

 are reliable and saleable : Beacon, Clapp's Favourite, 

 Bon Chretien, B. d'Amanlis, Souvenir du Congres, 

 Louise Bonne, Fertility, B. Hardy, D. du Cornice, 

 Durondeau, Pitmaston Duchess, B. Diel, Josephines de 

 Malines, and (cooking) Verulam. No one growing for 

 market should plant all these sorts except in a large 

 plantation, a first rate soil, and a well sheltered posi- 

 tion. For market only take Bon Chretien, Amanlis, 

 Fertility, Durondeau, Pitmaston Duchess, Josephine de 

 Malines, Verulam. Bon Chretien does not suit every 



