CORDON TRAINING. 243 



" This being done each year, the tree is constantly in 

 shape ; no saw is required to remove large limbs and 

 waste its energies, and no sap lost in superfluous growth. 

 The wood being exposed to the sun and air, ripens well, 

 and predisposes to the production of fruit spurs and 

 buds, and thus early bearing is secured." 



I saw these trees of Captain Austin's not long ago, and 

 was delighted, not only with the symmetry, regularity, 

 and naturalness of their form, but with their vigor, 

 health, and productiveness. 



It is really a model pear garden. The system is exactly 

 that pursued by the French in the management of their 

 " cordons," and Captain Austin's "leaders" are " cordons." 

 His " wine-glass " trees are like the French " vase," or 

 " goblet," but less artificial. Captain Austin does not tie 

 or restrain the branches in any way, but leaves them free 

 to spread after their natural habit, and that is one feature 

 of the system that, in my opinion, adds much to its value. 



CORDON TRAINING. 



M. Dubreuil says that, " with all the progress we have 

 made in arboriculture, in the employment of means for 

 the speedy attainment of certain ends, it still requires six- 

 teen to eighteen years to perfect the form of an espalier 

 pear-tree in any of the large designs, such as palmette, 

 fan, etc., which cover from thirty to sixty square feet of 

 wall (eighteen to twenty metres). 



"Add to this the labor, care, and skill required to obtain 

 these forms in perfection, and the means necessary to 

 maintain an equal growth and vigor between the differ- 

 ent parts of the tree, objects which are so complicated 

 that a large number of gardeners fail in their execution. 



" Struck by these difficulties, we have sought to remedy 

 them by suggesting a new form which, much less difficult 

 to establish than any of the others, permits the surface of 



