7 2 THE FR UIT GRO WER ' S G UIDE. 



ground running, in its longest dimensions, north and south. This is shown in Fig. 9, 

 which is a plan of a somewhat extensive fruit garden, replete with every convenience 

 for growing every description of fruit usually found in the best establishments. The 

 whole is arranged in such manner that every part can be readily inspected. The central 

 path is 12 feet wide, thus admitting of a drive through ; and the space between the 

 several structures is correspondingly spacious, whilst the side-paths admit a pony-chaise, 

 thereby rendering the whole available to invalids, and to all a place of interest and 

 enjoyment. All the edgings to walks should be frost-proof tiles, stone, or cement. The 

 boundary proposed is an ordinary quick-hedge, seven quicks and one holly per yard, 

 kept 4 1 to 6 feet high, the whole ground drained, trenched, and otherwise prepared as 

 advised. Double lines, in all cases, represent walls. Those shown for hardy fruit may 

 (if required) be displaced by glass structures covering the whole of the border. The 

 structures would form an agreeable promenade, affording facilities for growing a large 

 quantity of fruit. Few private establishments require so much, and for most the plan 

 is ample for a full supply of vegetables as well as fruit. Smaller establishments, 

 however, will be met by taking as much of the plan as required, narrowing the walks, 

 and placing the glass structures against the north wall, with sheds at the back, or the 

 walls can be left free for growing fruit, the glass structures being placed across the 

 opposite end of the ground similar to the plan. This is often a convenience rather than 

 otherwise, local circumstances determining the case. 



Borders for Fruit Trees. Suitable borders for fruit trees are of the utmost importance. 

 Whether the trees are to be grown as bushes, pyramids, or espaliers in the open or trained 

 to walls, it is essential that the trees have a sufficient quantity of substantial material 

 duly admixed and comminuted so as to insure its maintenance in a condition favouring 

 root growth for an indefinite period. Where these soil conditions are not assured, the 

 care, labour, and skill of the most experienced cultivator will avail but little in the 

 production of fruit. It is also essential . that the ground prepared and set apart for 

 the cultivation of fruit be kept exclusively for the trees. Warm, sheltered borders 

 are often taken advantage of to grow early, and not infrequently continuous, crops of 

 vegetables. This procedure is most injurious to the fruit trees. Through digging, 

 their surface roots are mutilated and destroyed, and deep roots produce luxuriant 

 growth but little fruit. When fruit trees are grown along the sides of walks advantage 

 is often taken of the prepared soil to plant bulbs and herbaceous or summer flowering 

 plants. This occasions digging and manuring, thereby disturbing and injuring the 



