338 



THE FRUIT GARDEN 



oblique cordons, double-U shaped and horizontal cordons (all on short stems), 

 and the palmate on a long stem. 



Pyramid. — The ordinary pyramid, which consists of a stem bearing secondary 

 branches in cycles of five, one above the other, is especially to be recommended 

 for varieties of pears — vi^ith erect branches — for some sorts of apples, cherries, and 

 plums. In order to obtain it, the scion is cut to an eye on the side opposite the 

 graft at om.40 from the ground, reserving five " eyes " in order to obtain the 

 first branches. Every year, to obtain a fresh series of branches, the stem is cut 

 om.40 higher to a bud on the opposite side of the preceding cut. If growrth 

 is weak, a series of branches is taken only every two years. In this case the stem 

 is cut back 10 or 1 1 centimetres above the last cutting, in the intermediate year; 

 the bottom branches are cut so as to be one-third of the total height of the tree. 

 The other branches will be proportionately shorter at the top of the spire. 



In growing pyramids of two, three, or four stages there is nothing more to 

 do than to continue the form, while taking care to assure the good growth of 

 the shoots. 



The winged pyramid is obtained in the same way ; its branches are after- 

 wards specially trained. They resist the wind better, but their formation is 

 more costly. 



Spindle or Column Shaped. — This form, more slender and narrower than 

 the pyramid, is suitable for small gardens and for the less vigorous varieties of 

 pear trees. The first cut is made upon the maiden tree 

 at om.70 or om.8o from the graft, and the others at from 

 om.io to om.30 above this, every year, according to the 

 vigour of the tree. The secondary branches, which are 

 much less numerous than in the pyramid, are cut at a 

 length equal to a fifth or sixth of the total height, gradually 

 diminishing in length towards the top of the tree. 



Vase or Goblet Form. — This is especially useful for 

 apple trees on the Paradise stock, and also, in a less 

 degree, for those on the Doucin. In order to obtain 

 it, the scion is cut at from om.30 to om.40 from 

 the ground, leaving three buds from which one en- 

 three branches equally distant from each other and 

 Each of these is cut in the second year to two buds, in 



Vase-Shaped Apple 

 Tree 



deavours to obtain 



from the centre. 



order to obtain six branches, which in the third year, being again cut to two 



buds, will give the twelve branches required. Let us add that the Paradise 



stock is rarely vigorous enough for one to obtain this regularity ; however, a 



standard to work by is necessary. 



The Standard. — This form is especially suitable for orchards, although 

 well-trained standards make pretty avenues in fruit gardens. In order to form 

 the head, leave only three of the best or best placed branches ; these are shortened 

 the first year to a length of from 10 to 20 centimetres, according to their strength. 

 On some "stone" fruit trees a greater length of shoot should be left — for instance, 

 the cherry, which requires as much as om.30. Apricot shoots, on the con- 

 trary, are left shorter. Each branch should be cut back close to its base, 



