430 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



trees planted upon light land ; it keeps the soil cool and moist by pre- 

 venting evaporation. If the rays of the sun are allowed to strike with 

 full force upon the ground immediately above the roots of the tree, the 

 former becomes hard, dry, and generally cracks a condition that is 

 injurious to the roots. It is obvious also that mulching lessens the 

 necessity of such frequent applications of water, and with every fall of 

 rain the tree is benefited by the stimulating effects of the manure. 



The remarks in the notes upon the Apple with reference to the 

 best aspect and position for planting, apply equally well to the Pear. 

 In most gardens where the space is available, a few Pear trees are 

 generally planted against walls, and, as a rule, produce finer fruit than 

 when planted in the open. A better crop is also usually obtained, for 

 the flowers are to a certain extent protected from the frost and rough 

 winds to which Pear trees in the open are exposed in spring time. It 

 is not, however, everywhere that wall space is available. We will, 

 therefore, first endeavour to make clear the culture of a Pear tree not 

 against a wall. A Pear tree in the open may either be in the form of a 

 standard, pyramid, bush, or espalier. The description of each of these 

 will be found under the heading of The Apple. The cultural details 

 to be followed in the operations of preparing the soil, planting, &c., are 

 also there explained, and apply to the Pear. 



Stocks. As in Apple culture the two stocks for grafting principally 

 made use of are the "Crab" and the " Paradise," so the "Pear" and 

 the " Quince " are the stocks upon which Pear trees are invariably 

 grafted. Those upon the Pear stock live the longest, and are the most 

 vigorous ; the roots of this, however, are, like the Crab, far-reaching, and 

 liable to enter the subsoil. If there is a good depth of suitable soil, 

 trees upon the Pear stock will succeed well. Also in poor, gravelly 

 soil, the roots of this stock are able to find moisture and nourishment 

 at a distance never reached by roots of the Quince. The Quince stock 

 tends to dwarf trees grafted upon it, and to bring them into bearing 

 earlier ; the roots are small and fibrous those of the Pear are long and 

 comparatively destitute of fibres and remain near the surface of the 

 ground. It will be therefore understood that in a shallow soil, or one 

 of which the subsoil is unfavourable, such a stock would be decidedly 

 preferable. If, however, the cultivator purchases his trees from a reli- 

 able nurseryman, which is far more profitable and satisfactory than pro- 

 pagating oneself, they will, of course, be grafted and properly established 

 upon their respective stocks. 



Standard Trees, usually planted on grass land, or land that is not 

 tilled with the spade, are invariably grafted upon the Pear stock. 

 Pyramids, bushes, espaliers, &c., for planting in cultivated garden soil, 

 are grafted on the Quince. They do not grow so large as Standard 

 trees, and are therefore suitable for small gardens. 



Pyramid. The Pyramid Pear tree should have an upright central 

 stem, and horizontal branches emanating from it, and gradually diminish- 

 ing in size and length towards the apex of the tree. It is necessary that 

 this should be so, for the sap naturally rushes in the first place to the 



