358 SOME SPECIFIC MODES OF TRAINING 



situation, training the trees according to the form of the 

 wall. The simplest form of espalier is the vertical cordon, 

 which allows the trees to be planted very near together, 

 which soon brings in a moderate return, and in a few years 

 covers the wall. Like the column, this form is suitable 

 only for the less vigorous varieties. It must be trained 

 against a moderately high wall, for its growth is consid- 

 erably stimulated by the suppression of its lateral branches, 

 so that the principal stem has a tendency of growing rap- 

 idly. Whenever it is necessary to cut them back very 

 much, it produces an excessive development of wood, to 

 the detriment of its productiveness. A form like a U, which 

 is self-explanatory, is frequently employed. It is certainly 

 one of the best. 



"THE CANDELABRUM (Figs. 237, 240) is formed by a 

 number of lateral branches, from three to six, distributed 

 regularly along the principal stem. The simple palmette 

 or palm leaf (Fig. 235) has a larger number of lateral 

 branches. The Palmette Verrier differs from the preceding 

 only in the fact that after a certain distance its branches 

 grow vertically. Palmettes are formed with 6, 7, 8, 10, 12 

 branches, and even with more." 



How to train a pyramid standard pear tree is 

 explained as follows by Rivers : * 



"If a young gardener intends to plant, and wishes to 

 train up his trees so that they will become quite perfect in 

 shape, he should select plants one year old from the bud or 

 graft, with single upright stems; these will, of course, have 

 good buds down to the junction of the graft with the stock. 

 The first spring a tree of this description should be headed - 

 down, so as to leave the stem about eighteen inches long. 

 If the soil be rich, from five to six and seven shoots will be 



"Thomas Rivers, "The Miniature Fruit-Garden." 



