290 



THE PARKS AND GARDENS OF PARIS. [Chap. XYIII. 



1=^ 



inches above the ground, the ends being firmly fixed. The young 

 trees are then cut down nearly to the level of the wire, and when 

 they start in spring two opposite buds are chosen for the formation 

 .^ of the two arms, and allowed to grow during the 

 summer, the buds on the stem below these being 

 pinched within an inch or so of their base. 

 During the summer the two shoots ought to 

 form a strong cordon fit for transplanting in the 

 following winter. The simple cordon with one 

 branch is formed in the same manner, except 

 that one bud only is allowed to grow." 



Since the discussion which took place in the 

 journals concerning the merits of this mode of 

 Apple-growing, I have seen a great number of 

 cordons on the Paradise in many parts 

 of France and in Switzerland, seeking in 

 various districts to ascertain its merits and 

 defects ; and am more than ever satisfied of its 

 value. Some have considered that a late frosty 

 season would be fatal to low cordons, and that 

 our climate is too conducive to the production 

 of gross wood, while on the Continent it be- 

 comes ripe and stubby, and the trees may be 

 preserved within bounds. If such were the fact, 

 this objectionable tendency should be more 

 developed in the warm parts of north-western 

 France near the sea-coast ; but this is not the 

 case. Grafted on the true French Paradise 

 stock, the tree is always good, and keeps per- 

 fectly within bounds in parts of France and 

 Belgium as cold and moist as southern England. 

 In a note from Professor Morren, of Liege, he 

 says : " The culture of the Apple as a cordon 

 on the Paradise stock has been extensively tried 

 in this country, and is rapidly extending, 

 particularly near Liege, Vcrviers, Huy, Namur, 

 and in all the Flemish districts. Hedges of horizontal cordon 

 Apples and Pears are now formed along the sides of the railway 

 between Brussels and Louvain. These plantations were made two 





