128 FRUIT AND ITS CULTIVATION. 



west aspect ; but in the Midlands a north or south aspect 

 is best; indeed, the latter is, perhaps, the best all-round 

 aspect for Peaches and Nectarines. 



Forms ol Trees. The usual form of tree is the fan. 

 In this case there is a short main stem about ift. long, 

 with branches radiating from its apex. This is the dwarf 

 fan. There is also the standard fan, with a main stem 

 6ft. long, having branches spreading right and left at 

 the top. This form of tree is planted alternately with 

 the dwarfs so as to cover the upper parts of high walls- 



Another form of tree is the cordon, which consists of 

 a main stem, with side or lateral bearing shoots. The 

 cordon is specially adapted for low walls i.e., those about 

 6ft. or so high or for filling up spaces between dwarf 

 fan trees. They have to be trained at an angle of 45 

 degrees. 



Then there is a third method the U-shaped tree with 

 a short main stem, from which two main branches are 

 trained vertically, these being furnished with lateral bear- 

 ing shoots. This tree is suitable for walls loft, high or 

 so, and enables them to be evenly furnished with bearing 

 wood. 



Distances for Planting. Cordons, 2ft. ; U-trained trees, 

 4ft. ; dwarf fan-trained trees, isft. to i8ft. ; tall fan-trained 

 trees, 3oft. to 36ft. apart. 



Planting- This is best done as soon as the majority 

 of the leaves have fallen off about October. It should 

 not be done on any account in December or January, nor 

 later than February. See that all bruised ends of roots 

 are cut off, and that the roots are fairly moist. Plant so 

 that the upper roots are covered with not more than 3in. 

 of soil. Tread the soil down firmly, too, as firmness is 

 most essential. Secure the trees loosely to the wall till 

 the spring to allow for the shrinkage of the soil. After 

 the planting is completed mulch the surface with decayed 

 manure. 



