SPECIAL CULTURE. 



147 



culture have been made in England, where, as we have 

 before remarked, the peach is cultivated as an exotic. But 

 in regard to all in-dqpr or protected cultivation, it is well 

 to remember, that skill is necessary in order to render it 

 satisfactory or successful ; and, while we would not dis- 

 courage amateurs, or say that an intelligent man may not 

 learn the art from books, some practical knowledge, ob- 

 tained by observation or experience, will be found highly 

 beneficial. With this caution, we will proceed to give 

 such plain directions as we hope will prove useful. 



We will suppose that the tree is to be trained on a 

 trellis, near a wall. Then obtain at the nursery a thrifty, 

 vigorous tree, of one year's growth from the bud. Cut 

 away, close and smooth, all the limbs one foot upwards 

 from the root ; leave two full, healthy buds, or eyes, on 

 each side, and as nearly opposite each other 

 as practicable ; disbud those shooting at right 

 angles with these, and then cut off the top of 

 the stem about one inch above the uppermost 

 buds. You how have the stock for the com- 

 ing tree, which is to be trained according to 

 the fan-shaped, or horizontal, method, as the convenience, 

 taste, or fancy of the proprietor may dictate, and it will 

 present the appearance of figure 20. 



This stock is now planted in the border, at the proper 

 distance from the wall. If it is to be in the open air, on 

 the south side of a wall, this will be about fifteen or 

 eighteen inches ; if under glass, about a foot inside the 

 south side of the peach house. The ground should be 

 well pulverized, and moderately rich. Plant at the same 

 depth as the stock grew in the nursery. Incline the stock 

 very slightly towards the wall, whether in or out doors. 

 The two pair of buds will soon send out shoots, strong 

 and vigorous, as the nourishment from the roots will be 

 abundant, or rather superabundant, for the preponderance 

 of the stock is now greatly in the roots, and nature will 



