328 



TRAINING. 



branch. This will tend to restore the equilibrium better than any 

 other method. Fig. 287 presents us with the figure of the tree in a 

 more advanced state, well balanced, and well calculated for an equal 

 distribution of sap all over its surface. Whenever any of the lower 

 shoots have advanced so far as to incommode the others, they should 

 be cut back to a yearling shoot : this will give them room, and keep 

 the lower part of the tree in order. Whatever system of training is 

 pursued, the leading branches should be laid in in the exact position 

 they are to retain ; for whenever a large branch is brought down to 

 fill the lower part of the wall, the free ascent of the sap is obstructed 

 by the extension of the upper and contraction of the lower parts of the 



Fig. 287. 



Fan-training, complete. 



branch. It is thus robbed of part of its former vigour, whilst it 

 seldom fails to throw out immediately behind the part most bent one 

 or more vigorous shoots. To assist the young practitioner in laying 

 in the leading branches of the tree, the following method may perhaps 

 be acceptable : Drive a nail into the wall, exactly where the centre of 

 tree is to be, then with a string and chalk describe a semicircle of any 

 diameter, divide the quadrant into 90 ; the lower branch will then 

 take an elevation of about 12, the second of about 27, the third of 

 about 43, the fourth 58, and the fifth about 74. A nail should 

 then be driven into each of these points, and the chalk rubbed off. 

 (' Gard. Mag.,' ii. p. 144.) 



Fan-training according to Seymour's Mode. Head down the maiden 

 plant to the three eyes, as shown in fig. 288, a. Three shoots being 

 produced, the second year head down the centre one to three eyes, 

 and leave the two side shoots at full length, as at b. Kub off all 

 the buds on the lower side of the two side branches, and leave only on 

 the upper side a series of buds from nine inches to twelve inches 

 apart. When these buds have grown five inches or six inches, stop 

 the shoots produced, but still allowing the leading shoot to extend 

 itself. At the end of the summer of the second year, there will be 



