128 



Ow the Arrangement and Management 



invariably, and, of course, in parallel lines. On their running 

 north and south I lay much stress, as that direction will admit the 

 full effect of the sun's rays at noon, for nearly two hours, on that 

 portion of the stones which is unshaded between the bars of tho 

 trellis, and, of course, heat them in a very considerable degree ; 

 which heat by radiation will increase that of the atmosphere im- 

 mediately round the plant for some time after sunset. It is 

 absolutely necessary, for this purpose, that the soil for these pears 

 be a good, sound, and rather stiff loam, in a dry and, if possible, 

 impenetrable bottom ; and that it should not be deeper than 

 18 in. or 20 in. : the subsoil may be either strong clay, gravel, 

 or stones. Let it be borne in mind that I lay the greatest stress 

 on the conditions of soil and subsoil here stated. I should by 

 all means choose the trees on free stocks, provided their subse- 

 quent management was in every respect correct ; as I am satis- 

 fied that apples on Paradise stocks will never endure long, 

 except the circumstances of soil, &c., are particularly favourable. 

 As the trees become established on the trellis, the ground be- 

 neath should be covered with stones or clean gravel ; I should 

 prefer the formei", as the ground, after some few years, would, in 

 all probability, require top-dressing, and the stones would be 

 easily moved to accomplish this : slates would not do ; they would 

 prevent the free ingress of the rains, as well as the air. A 

 systematic mode of training would be necessary, both for effect 

 and utility; and the following rough sketch [Jig. 14.) will give an 



14 



idea of the appearance that the trellis would present, when the 

 tree was fully established on it. The trees should be planted 

 about 16 ft. apart, which would, of course, give eight parallel bars 

 on each side of the centre one ; and the lateral branches for spurs 

 should be placed four on each side, alternating with each other. 

 One thing more remains to be recommended ; and that is, 

 after the trees are established, and in a bearing state, to cover 

 them all the time they are in bloom with canvass. If this plan 

 be adopted (and which I should not hesitate to do a moment), 

 it will be necessary, in making the trellis, to have the outer lines 

 of it of iron, and made after the manner of a railway, only very 

 slight; and, by having the canvass rolled round a strong hoop 

 (which hoop must work in or on the groove of the railway), a 

 considerable length of these trellises might be covered, and un- 

 covered, in a few minutes. This canvass might also be put on in 



