CULTIVATION OF FRUIT 423 



or rubber tubing, however, must be first fastened to the stem to prevent 

 injury from the string. Firmly fix the stake driven into the ground, 

 so that the tree will not be shaken about by rough winds. It is an 

 excellent practice to mulch (that is, to cover with manure) the surface 

 of the ground around newly planted fruit trees, for the roots are then 

 kept warm during winter, moist in summer, and also at the same time 

 derive benefit from the stimulating effects of the manure. When fruit 

 trees are planted on grass land, never allow the grass to grow within 3 

 feet all around the base of the stem. A surprising difference is notice- 

 able in the vigour of trees so treated and those uncared for in this 

 respect. 



Forms of Apple Trees. Apple trees are to be obtained in several 

 different forms, the best of which are those known as standards, 

 half-standards, bush, pyramid, cordon, and espaliers. 



Standard Trees have a clear stem of several feet from the ground 

 before branches are formed. This form is particularly suitable for 

 planting in grass land upon which cattle are turned, for there is then 

 plenty of room for the latter to graze underneath the branches. 

 Another advantage is, that the smaller fruit bushes, such as Currants, 

 Gooseberries, &c., may be cultivated amongst them. The best stock 

 upon which to graft Standard Apple trees is the Crab. The roots of 

 this travel a long distance, are not very fastidious as to soil, and are 

 therefore well fitted for comparatively untilled ground. Standards 

 may be planted at a distance of 24 feet apart, except some of the 

 stronger growing varieties which require a larger amount of space. 

 If possible, plant them twice as thickly as they ultimately will be 

 allowed to remain, that is, at 12 feet apart, and in the course 

 of fifteen or twenty years, when they have become crowded, remove 

 every alternate one. Half-standards are similar, except that the main 

 stem is shorter. 



Bush Trees. The Bush, or open Dwarf, is a popular method of 

 training the Apple tree, and the most suitable one for small gardens. 

 The branches originate within a few inches of the ground, and after 

 the base of the tree is formed, grow perpendicularly. Many trees may, 

 therefore, be grown in a small space. The stock upon which these 

 are grafted is the Paradise ; the roots of this remain near the surface, 

 and Apple trees grafted upon it are, as a rule, very productive when 

 quite young. 



Pyramid Trees. Pyramid trees are also grafted upon the Paradise 

 stock. When symmetrically trained they are very beautiful, though 

 perhaps hardly so productive as Bush trees, and they occupy more 

 space. From the central upright stem, branches proceed in a 

 horizontal direction. 



Cordon Trees. There are several forms of Cordon trees. Those 

 restricted to one stem are known as Single Cordons, others may have 

 two or even more. Cordons may either be trained in an upright or 

 oblique direction. They are usually planted against walls, are easily 

 managed, bear large crops of fruit, and occupy little room. 



