THE PEAR. 143 



Espalier and fan-trained trees should never be planted 

 against ordinary low walls or fences, as the latter are 

 not high enough to allow for extension of growth. Ob- 

 lique cordons are the best kind of tree for low walls or 

 fences. 



Distances for Planting. Standards and half-standards, 

 3oft. ; espaliers, fans, or palmette verriers, isft. ; "toast- 

 ing-forks," 3ft.; "pitchforks," 2ft.; bushes, 8ft.; pyra- 

 mids, loft. ; cordons, single, i8in. ; ditto, double, 3ft. ; 

 horizontal cordons, single, 6ft. ; double, i2ft. 



Planting. October and November are the best times 

 to plant, but it may be done up to March in fine open 

 weather. Never plant in wet weather. When the trees 

 arrive examine the roots, and cut off any bruised por- 

 tions. If the roots should be dry, soak them in water 

 before planting. For standards, bushes, or pyramids, dig 

 out holes about 4ft. to 5ft. wide, and stir up the soil to 

 a depth of 3ft. Do not mix any manure with the soil. 

 Leave a space about 6in. deep at the top, and on this 

 spread out the roots of the tree ; drive in a stout stake 

 to support the stem ; then cover the roots with fine mould, 

 give a gentle shake to settle the soil, and add more mould 

 and tread it down firmly. Continue thus till the tree is 

 planted, then secure the stem loosely to the stake, and 

 mulch with a layer of manure. 



In the case of trees grown against walls, dig out holes 

 3ft. wide and 4ft. long. Break up the subsoil, and then 

 plant as just advised. For cordons, dig the soil to a 

 width of 3ft., and also to a depth of 3ft. Excavate the 

 surface to a depth of 6in., place the trees in position, and 

 fill up with soil, treading the latter firmly, and finishing 

 off with a mulch of manure. Loosely secure the trees to 

 the wall or fence. Observe the soil mark on each stem, 

 and plant the roots so that the soil reaches this mark. At 

 any rate, in the case of Pears grafted on the Quince, see 

 that the top of the stocks is buried just below the surface 

 of the soil. 



