7 o THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



than the roots extend, good drainage ensured, and fresh soil of a suitable nature 

 provided. 



Autumn-planted trees should not be pruned until the buds at the extremities of the 

 branches begin to unfold in the spring, the extent of the pruning being determined by 

 the condition of the wood (see "Training"). The trees may also need attention in 

 watering and mulching to secure an early, free, well-sustained growth, and insure its 

 thorough maturation. Spring-planted trees those put in as soon after the middle of 

 February as the weather permits will require more than ordinary attention in watering 

 and mulching during the first season ; but over- watering, by keeping the soil cold and 

 sodden, hinders root formation and must be avoided, the shortening of the shoots being 

 deferred until they push new growths freely. 



TRAINING. 



Peach and nectarine trees may be trained in various ways, but the most useful 

 methods are: 1, Cordon ; 2, " II "-shaped ; 3, Fan. 



1. Cordon. This- useful French method admits of a wall being covered regularly 

 and quickly. It is well adapted for walls of 6 to 3 feet in height, and with the roots 

 of the trees restricted to narrow borders, periodically lifted, they remain fruitful for 

 years. The trees must be planted aslant, 24 inches apart, at an angle of 45. (See 

 " Single Diagonal Cordon Training," Vol. II., page 25 ; also " Eesults of Depression," 

 Yol. II., page 23.) 



A maiden tree should consist of a single stem, grown from the bud the first season, 

 with side growths or laterals. These should be cut off closely and the stem shortened to 

 a good bud 18 inches above the junction of the scion with the stock, when the buds are 

 swelling freely in spring. During the summer a leading growth must extend in continua- 

 tion of the stem, and growths for bearing secured about 1 foot apart on each side, all 

 others being rubbed off. The leader must be trained forward intact, pinching the 

 laterals to one joint as often as produced, and in the spring of the second year the leading 

 shoot may be cut back to 2 feet 6 inches or 3 feet, according to the strength of the tree 

 and maturity of the wood. During subsequent years the side or fruiting branches are 

 treated in the way to be presently shown under " Short Pruning." To avoid waste of 

 space, the end trees must be trained with secondary branches at an angle of 45 (see 

 Fig. 14, Cr, Yol. II., page 25). What is termed the "express" method of forming 

 cordon peach and nectarine trees is not, as a rule, suitable for open walls in this country. 



