56 CORDON TRAINING. 



then by one-fourtli, and finally, by one-sixth of their length ; 

 so that the tree should grow in a pyramidal form, and the 

 lower stages be always longer than those above them. This 

 golden rule is too often neglected ; but the tree should not 

 be allowed to become pillar-like by letting the leaders be too 

 long, or by dwarfing the lowest stage of branches. 



The following brief notes on training Pyramid standards 

 were made by me at Angers: — 



1st year of planting. Plant in November, and trim oif 

 one-quarter of the side branches only. 



2d year of planting, 1st of training. Leave twelve inches 

 of stem ; select six buds for branches and one for a leader. 

 Cut the branches close in to the stem, but not too near. The 

 tree now looks like a walking-stick. 



3d year of plantation, 2d of training. The first stage of 

 six branches will develop itself, and allowing an interval of 

 twelve inches, six more buds for the second stage of branches 

 must be chosen, and one to continue the leader. Incise semi- 

 circularly over the three lowest eyes to check the sap, and 

 develop them. Pinch in, and break in winter the laterals on 

 the first or lowest stage of branches, now pretty long ; keep 

 them much longer than the second stage. 



4th year of plantation, 3d of training. Allow twelve 

 inches more of interval for a third stage. The 2d stage will 

 now progress ; continue the leader vigorously upwards. 

 Pinch laterals on the 1st and 2d stage to four buds, and 

 break in winter to three buds. One half of the new wood 

 on lowest stage must now be cut off. 



5th year of plantation, 4th of training. Another interval; 

 another stage. One-sixth only of the new wood on lowest 

 stage should now be cut off. Regulate the upper stages from 

 this one, and, tapering upwards, ascend to thirty feet by six 

 feet at the base. Manure no deeper than tln-ee inches, — i. e. 

 old litter lightly forked in, — and do not disturb the upper 

 soil more than is needed for weeding, <fec. Mulch in July, 

 after the ground has become heated, but never before. Graft 

 pears in August. 



