212 On Root pruning of Pear Trees; 



feet, and an abundance of fruit obtained in a short period after 

 planting. 



One portion of IMr. Rivers's system is certainly new and 

 original with him. This is that part of his paper which treats 

 of the application of strong manure to the trench around the 

 tree operated upon, in order to keep up its vigor. By this 

 means trees are rendered almost independent of the natural 

 soil in which they grow, a barrowfull annually applied to each, 

 enabling them to produce a good crop of fruit. 



There are other advantages attendant upon the plan of root- 

 pruning: one is the early period at which young trees produce 

 fruit, thus gratifying the impatient cultivator w-iih a taste of 

 what he possesses; another, perhaps equally important, is the 

 facility with which such trees are removed at the age of eight 

 or ten years and upwards. We noticed an account in the 

 Gardener'' s Chronicle^ in which the writer stated he purchased 

 a few pear trees of Mr. Rivers, which had been root-pruned 

 in the nursery, and the following year after they were receiv- 

 ed, they produced a fine crop of fruit. Those who have had 

 their patience tried for at least half a dozen years, while wait- 

 ing the fruiting of some choice pear, will at once appreciate 

 the value of a system which shall remove this season of sus- 

 pense. 



But Mr. Rivers does not need to be defended by us. 

 However much some may cavil at his practice, and call it an 

 old system, it has its merits, and a perusal of the paper will 

 carry conviction to all, that it is one of the most valuable 

 communications which has ever been read before the London 

 Horticultural Society. 



An attentive perusal of Mr. Rivers's paper will be neces- 

 sary for all who intend to carry root-pruning into effect. 

 Success at first, and in every instance, must not be expected. 

 It will be better to err on the wrong side, and prune too little, 

 rather than too much. Experience must be the only sure 

 guide, and after obtaining the results of one season, on trees 

 more or less severely pruned, another year will enable the 

 cultivator to ap[jly the spade in a judicious manner. The 

 coming autumn will be the time to commence; and, by fully 

 understanding the directions which are given, success will, in 

 a short time, attend every operation. 



"It is now about ten years since, in consequence of being 

 much inconvenienced by the confusion in the names of new 



