TRAINING. 41 



and the other was weakly and unproductive. 

 From these observations it will appear very 

 evident, that to train such trees in the fan 

 method is acting in opposition to what is 

 desired, (viz. to bring the tree to a fruitful 

 condition as, soon as possible) and thus a 

 much greater length of time is occupied in 

 effecting this, than would have been the case 

 had the tree been properly trained from the 

 time of planting. This is particularly the 

 case with Pear trees, some of this kind I 

 have seen that have covered a space of 

 twenty-four square yards of walling, before 

 they became productive. But as some of the 

 roots had then probably entered into the 

 under stratum, and the tree had in so great 

 a length of time considerably exhausted 

 the fertility of the border, a proportional 

 decrease in the supply of nutriment, brought 

 the tree to a less luxuriant but more fruitful 

 condition. But when again it became fruit- 

 ful, a proportionate increase of support w r as 

 required, but this could not be given from 

 the border without a renewal, or frequent 

 supplies of manure water, and if this were 

 not given, the tree would bcome gradually 

 weaker, and in a few years be as unproduc- 

 tive as before. Others I have observed that 

 had been planted a similar time, and then 

 became productive, which were able only to 

 produce a crop of fruit every other year, and 

 in some instances every third year, the weak- 



G 



