Modes of training Peach Trees compared. Q5S 



but, as he is also the author of the Domestic Gardener's 

 Manual, must, on the behalf of every gardener who reads tlie 

 book, demand an explicit answer at his earliest convenience. 

 The answers of other writers are inadmissible: we have had 

 already too long a concatenation of these passing current ; 

 but of which I am willing to believe the author of the above- 

 named book will disdain to avail himself. 



I am. Sir, yours, &c. 

 Chelsea^ Oct. 13. 1832. J. Main. 



Art. VI. On Mr. Hayxjonrd's Mode of traiJiing Peach Trees, as 

 compared tvith Mr. Seymour s Mode. By Joseph Hayward, 

 Esq. 



Sir, 

 When I wrote my last (p. 483.), I had not seen your 

 description of Mr. Seymour's method of training the peach 

 tree, nor had I any knowledge of what it was. I, however, 

 there stated my belief, that, whatever may be the merit of this 

 mode of training above Forsyth's or the common fan fashion, 

 if the principles and laws of nature are such as I had explained 

 them, such merit must be derived from his having more cor- 

 rectly conformed to those principles and laws of nature. I 

 have since referred to your former Numbers, wherein Mr. 

 Seymour's mode is described [Vol. I. p. 128., Vol. II. p. 295., 

 Vol. VI. p. 436., Vol.VII. p. 242. 248. 687-, Vol.VIII. p. 51.], 

 and I find I was not mistaken. The only merit is, that by this 

 mode the leaders which produce the bearing wood ai'e laid on 

 an angle of about 45°, and the bearers are all produced from 

 their upper sides. This is conformable to my explanations, 

 and to my seventh rule, which is, — " In all erect-growing 

 trees, placed in an open situation, and where the light falls 

 equally, the flow of sap is vertical ; and the strongest branches 

 will form in this position, until the stem or trunk acquires a 

 certain age or elevation, which is determined by the soil, 

 situation, and nature of the tree ; but in places where the light 

 is obstructed on any side, the flow of sap inclines towards the 

 light: " and to the eighth rule, which is, — " If a bud, formed 

 and placed for a leading branch, be removed, or the vessels 

 connected with it be contracted or injured, and the usual 

 passage of the sap obstructed, the wood-bud occupying the 

 next best position will take its supply, and perform its office ; 

 and when, from any number of buds formed to receive a 

 quantity of sap, a part of them be taken away, the share of 

 sap which that part would otherwise have received is given 



