258 



Pears. 



tised or needed in this country. It is occasionally employed in 

 limited gardens, to form boundaries of walks, without occupying 

 much lateral space, and where it is desired to grow large and fine 

 specimens of fruit by strong exposure to the sun. The mode may 

 be briefly understood by the accompanying figure representing a 

 partly grown tree (Fig. 265). As the tree advances, shoots will be 



Fig. 265. 



produced from the sides of the horizontal arms ; these must be 

 stopped or pinched off early in summer, to prevent their drawing too 

 hard on the rest of the tree, and a similar course pursued with 

 them to that already described in a former chapter. The fruit-buds, 

 and all the shoots or spurs supporting fruit-buds, are to be cut 

 closely off wherever too thick for an even crop. Early in autumn 

 the shortened shoots are to be cut down, leaving the fruit-buds, only, 

 to bear the next season. By this regularity of pruning, the tree will 

 preserve a neat appearance, and bear regular crops. 



The horizontal branches may be about one foot apart for large 

 pears, and eight inches for small ; and the trees, if on quince roots, 

 may be about ten feet apart. 



