FRUIT PLANTATIONS APPLES " FEATHERED" 1 REES. 



Plantations are frequently formed of low or half-standard trees, grafted on the 

 Paradise or Nonesuch stocks, which promote early bearing. These stocks are worked 

 near the ground, the scions are allowed to grow with a single stem to the height 

 required, then topped to form the heads of the trees (see "Low Standard,'' Figs. 15 and 

 16, pages 26 28, Vol. II.). The price of this form of tree of a size fit for planting 

 ranges from 4 to 7 10s. per hundred, bv.t many large growers prefer two-year 

 "feathered" trees unprtined of that age from the graft ; these are shortened, the side 



Fig. 66. iiiATHKRKD ArpiE THVES. 



: K. upright-growing tree pruned (bars) to form head and feathered stem : a, leader ; b, side shoots 

 to form head ; c, side shoots shortened to form spurs and strengthen the stem. L, tree of spreading h:ibit : d. 

 leader ; e, side shoots tipped to form head ; /, side shoots cut off close to the stem. M, tree forming head naturally : 

 y, leader shortened to throw vigour into the head ; h, side shoots shortened to underside buds to cause growths to 

 spread. N, the tree A", in its second season after planting. 



growths tipped or removed at the lower part, leaving the upper two or three for form- 

 ing the head (Fig. 66, KM). 



By shortening the side growths not required to form branches instead of cutting 

 them off closely, fruiting spurs form along the stems and produce useful fruit, as shown 

 in j.V. These stem spurs may remain until the head of the tree is well formed and com- 

 mences bearing freely, and then be gradually removed. Two years feathered trees cost 

 3 15s. to 6 per hundred, the price varying according to variety and character ; the 

 best feathered trees are nearly as costly as half-standards. Either may be planted 12 

 feet apart 302 trees per acre, average cost half- standards = 17 17s.. feathered = 

 15 12s. 6d. per acre. Between the trees and rows currant or gooseberry trees are 



