THE MANSE GARDEN. 83 



the former description, whilst they yield a great deal 

 of fruit, take up little or no ground ; and, being kept 

 so low, they do more good by sheltering than harm 

 by shading the crops or flowers. 



But to determine finally the question as to orna- 

 ment, take a survey of your garden after one of those 

 gales with which we are usually visited about the 

 autumnal equinox, and see the havoc that is made 

 amongst the standard trees : one half of the fruit is 

 thrown down, and eveuy fallen apple or pear has re- 

 ceived a mortal wound; some are deeply bruised, 

 others are pierced with small stones, yet sticking in 

 the flesh, and some have taken a dimple scarcely 

 perceptible, but even that is an irreparable injury, 

 and not one fruit in a thousand so hurt will keep for 

 any length of time. But observe also how the un- 

 fallen have suffered by the shock of the tempest 

 their heads have been dashed together, or they have 

 been rubbed against the larger branches, or lashed 

 all day and all night by the smaller twigs, till their 

 natural colour is lost in the multitude of stripes and 

 blows. That they have not fallen is no proof of their 

 safety they have perished, but having less maturity 

 they have been more tenacious of life, and are found 

 after the storm, like those more resolute seamen whose 

 dead-grasp is on the rope when tbeir companions have 

 been washed away. 



Doubting not, from the above considerations, 

 that you will judge favourably of espaliers, and give 

 them a place in your garden, the following directions 

 may be of use for their successful and economical 

 cultivation. Have the ground well trenched and 

 manured (see wall department) and plant the trees 



