238 Ex-perhn€nts, 



est, and that if the top threatens to acquire a disproportionate vigor,— 

 X)f which there is danger, especially if the summer pinching is neglected, 

 — it must be pruned closer in the winter, and the weaker branches left 

 longer. 



We commenced by saying that it is desirable to obtain trees of two 

 or three years' growth for planting, and if such can be procured, they 

 should, when planted, be pruned as here directed, only a little closer, 

 so as to balance the loss of roots in lifting. But as many roots should 

 be saved as possible, and they should be carefully planted, for the less 

 check the tree receives, the more perfect will it ultimately become. 



It is possible by constant care to form a pear tree into as perfect a 

 pyramid as a clipped Norway spruce, but we do not think it desirable. 

 Neither would we advise the goblet or other fanciful shape, for the 

 pyramidal, being the most natural, may be attained with far less trouble 

 than any other. We cannot in this brief space give such directions for 

 pruning as shall enable a novice to know at sight just what branches 

 to prune, nor could we in a volume. Much must be left to the judg- 

 ment of the operator, who, by careful study of his trees, will soon acquire 

 a skill in pruning which cannot be communicated by books. And if 

 any one objects that he has not time to carry out even the concise direc- 

 tions we have given here, let him plant a few trees of the best kinds, 

 selecting those which, like the Urbaniste, naturally form regular pyra- 

 mids ; and if he will only add to good cultivation an occasional short- 

 ening or pinching of a branch which threatens to destroy their balance, 

 Nature, whose object is the perpetuation of the race by the production 

 of seed, will, in due time, take care that he gets the seed, and with it the 

 fruit which encloses it. 



EXPERIMENTS. 



By "Enthusiast." 



Why should not every * horticulturist aim to add at least one 

 marked improvement to our list of trees, fruits, or flowers? And why 

 should not each one succeed? Considering the success of the past 

 with pears, dahlias, roses, and grapes, is there not good reason for 

 expecting as marked changes in the future? Let me suggest to our 

 horticulturists a few openings for experiment. I believe that we 

 may, with patience, obtain quinces as melting, palatable, and digesti- 



