CURRANTS METHODS OF TRAINING. , 59 



Pyramids. In forming these, which are very handsome, the central branch of the 

 young tree, Fig. 49, T (page 154), should be cut back to 9 inches in the autumn, and 

 the other two shortened 3 inches more to outside buds. Three growths must be 

 encouraged from the leading branch the following year, and two from each of the side 

 branches, all others to be pinched at the third leaf. In the autumn the leading shoot 

 is shortened to 9 inches, the other main branches to 6 inches, and the remainder of the 

 shoots cut back to J inch of their base. The pyramid will now be 2 feet 3 inches to 

 2 feet 6 inches high, and 1J feet through at the lower tier of branches. These last 

 should be again forked, also the next tier and the leader, as in the preceding year. The 

 lower tier of branches must be shortened in the autumn to 4 inches, and the others as 

 before advised, continuing this year by year until the pyramid is as high and wide as 

 desired, when it should be closely spurred in. 



Standards. If a cutting be taken 1 8 inches in length and not topped, all the buds 

 removed from the lower 6 inches, and this part inserted in the soil, the leading shoot 

 secured to a stake, the side shoots pinched at two leaves, and to one afterwards, it will 

 make rapid progress towards forming a stem the first year. By continuing the practice, 

 the stem thickens evenly, the pinching of the side shoots pushing the leader ahead. 

 After this has attained a height of 4 feet, it should be topped a few inches lower in the 



autumn, and in the spring following three to five shoots will push to form the head. 





 Shortening these to 9 inches in the autumn will cause them to fork, and the following 



year a selection can be made of the requisite number to form a symmetrical tree. All 

 the others should be pinched in the summer, and cut close back in the autumn to form 

 spurs for bearing in due course. The pinched-back growths on the main stem may be 

 removed at the end of the third year, but it is best to reduce them gradually. Standard 

 currants must be securely staked. They are both interesting and useful, bear profusely, 

 and might be grown with advantage in many gardens ; the fruit is easily protected from 

 birds with netting. 



Upright-trained Trees. Encourage one upright shoot from a cutting. If it grow 

 strongly, cut it down to 6 inches ; if weakly, cut it back to 3 inches of the ground in 

 the autumn. The object is to secure two strong branches for training horizontally to 

 the left and right in the summer, shortening them to about 14 inches in the autumn. 

 From these horizontals train four upright shoots, one at each extremity, with others at 

 4 1 inches on each side of the stem, thus having them 9 inches apart ; allow these to grow 

 full length, and shorten them in the autumn to 8 or 9 inches- Train a leader from each 



