2 5 o THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



standards (3 feet stems) answer for the next row on each side, and quarter- standards 

 (18 inch stemsj for the sides. 



Peaches and nectarines succeed admirably in this form, but the roots of the trees 

 must be restricted to borders of firm soil over thorough drainage, for the tendency of 

 planted-out trees is to excessive growth, until checked by fruit production. Judicious 

 root -pruning is better for accelerating fruitfulness than rigorously stopping exu- 

 berant shoots. The great point is to prune so as to admit sun and air through the 

 trees, then sturdy, well-ripened wood will be secured, and fruit follow in abundance. 

 The soil for the trees should be a calcareous clay, and firm, then a surface dressing of 

 manure in the spring, supplemented by chemical manures, with a sufficiency of water, 

 and the usual syringing will meet their requirements. Potted trees have the advantage 

 of providing a great variety of fruit from a given space. A supply of apples, apricots, 

 cherries, figs, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, and plums can be produced by trees 

 in pots in one house, that is suitable for the purpose ; but this cannot be effected in 

 similar space by planted- out trees. 



Moreover trees in pots are portable and can be removed whenever desired. When the 

 pots are stood on bricks placed flat, and a little distance apart to leave the drainage 

 openings clear, the trees have the advantage of the warm air of the house for the 

 roots and are completely under control. Success or failure with these trees depends 

 entirely on the management due attention to watering, syringing, and applying top- 

 dressings of rich compost, supplemented by chemical or liquid manure, in order to 

 sustain health and fertility. In these respects potted trees entail much work as 

 compared with those planted out. The latter, however, are not suitable for the majority 

 of amateurs, who must confine their cultures to the least room, and many of these enjoy 

 the occupation of growing fruit trees in pots. 



A few cultural remarks on the mixed house system of growing fruit will be useful. 

 The trees may consist partly of fruits requiring to be kept constantly in the house, 

 such as apricots, figs, grape-vines, nectarines, and peaches; and partly of those only 

 needing to be placed in the house for the security of the blossoms and young fruits 

 from spring frosts, such as apples, pears, and plums, these being given a favourable 

 position outdoors from June to February inclusive. Cherries come within the latter 

 category of fruits, but the trees must be continued under glass until the fruit is ripe 

 and till removed from them, then they may be stood outdoors. This will admit more 

 light and air to the kinds first named. Early varieties of the apricot, nectarine, and 



