PLl'MS AXI) DAMSOXS PLANTING AND TRAINING. 181 



of the same width the trees are apart 6 feet. Vigorous growers require 9 feet, 

 and at 12-t'eet distance they make large handsome trees. 



Cordon, Espalier, and Wall Trees. Upright cordons : plant 15 inches, diagonal 18 inches 

 apart. These forms must have firm soil and be lifted to keep them fruitful. Espaliers : 

 strong-growing kinds plant 21 feet apart, moderately vigorous 15 feet from tree to 

 tree. Excessive vigour must be checked by root-pruning, and it is advisable to thin 

 out the crowded spurs. Against walls 12 feet high plant the trees 15 feet apart; walls 

 10 feet, trees 18 feet; walls 8 feet, trees 21 to 24 feet apart. Plum trees succeed 

 admirably against low walls or fences, when the soil is firm and the roots are not 

 mutilated by digging. 



PLANTING AND TRAINING. 



Planting November is the best time for planting, as the trees then immediately 

 commence re-establishing themselves. Young trees move more safely and break far more 

 freely and strongly than those of several seasons' growth, but old trees will bear removal 

 provided they have been frequently transplanted previously. Spring planting answers 

 very well if the roots are not dried and the work is done during mild weather, with the 

 ground in good working order. 



In planting, keep the trees slightly above the ground level, as the soil is sure 

 to settle down. Stake securely, and mulch from the stem to a little farther all round 

 than the roots extend with partially decayed manure. Cut the heads closely back before 

 the buds break in the spring, only leaving three or four buds on the young shoots. 

 In the summer some of the small shoots must be removed to keep the trees open, the 

 best growths being so disposed as to form a well-balanced head, sun and air having free 

 access to every part. Under good management on the lines indicated the trees will 

 bear fruit abundantly the third year. 



Training. The fan method (present volume, page 135) is the best for walls, as, 

 should any of the branches die, others can be trained in their places. 



If the tree is a maiden, it should be cut down in the autumn or early spring to 12 

 inches from the ground, and three to seven shoots trained in from the upper 6 inches of 

 the stem, equidistant on opposite sides, and disposed regularly, like the spokes of a 

 wheel, over the wall surface. The growths must be secured as they advance, leaving 

 sufficient room in the ligatures to prevent contraction. If laterals push, they may be 

 pinched at every leaf. The inclination of the shoots should be such that, when they have 

 grown 3 feet, they will be 9 to 12 inches apart, the lowest shoots being 1 foot from the 



