ESPALIER TREES 



21 



right and left, and the central shoot is tied to an upright 

 stick, similar pruning and training being repeated in the 

 following February, until the desired tiers of branches are 

 obtained, when the central shoot is cut clean away. In 



FIG. 2. ESPALIER PEAR TREE WITH TWO TIERS OF BRANCHES 

 (From the Gardeners' Chronicle.) 



spurring the lateral branches in summer, it is well to com- 

 mence a fortnight earlier on those in the centre of the tree, 

 so as to cause the sap to be diverted into the extension 

 growths, because these central shoots are stronger and may 

 weaken the leaders if allowed to develop unchecked. 



