( 97 ) 



these shoots form the arms. Several shoots thus trainecj are 

 fixed almost equidistant from each other. On each arm.spurs, 

 or the like growths readily start, while any effort to encourage 

 their growth is quite unnecessary. 



By this rneans, the arms being equal in condition, are easier 

 to bring them into equilibrium- of growth and thus fruiting 

 condition than other systems, such as palmates, cordons, etc.^ 

 Moreover, the symmetry of the tree can be easily restored, pyen. 

 when the arms are lost by some accident, as in the fan-training. 



Canes are durable for some five years, whilst straw twines, 

 have to berenewed every year during winter. 



Ariits, shoots and fruit spurs undergo renewal ^ pruning at 

 times in winter. In some parts, where trees are planted on 

 rich, deep alluvial deposits, they are shifted and transplanted 

 at .intervals of 4 or 5 years, to check and moderate their 

 luxuriance and to turn them prolific. : . : :;; 



Besides repairing and tying new shoots on the trellis, light; 

 winter pruning is performed. No summer pruning is done by 

 many growers. Fruit thinning, bagging and destroying 

 insects are rigorously practiced by them. Of late years, poul- 

 try and sometimes swine are driven beneath the trees to make 

 them feed on insects and vermin. In such a case, strong. 

 protection around the trees is of course necessary. 



As regards the bamboo trellis there are two ways of con- 

 struction. In the pear centres in the vicinity of Tokio, the trellis 

 covers the whole plantation, whilst in orchards near Kyoto and. 

 Nara it has the shape of long rectangles which run parallel to 

 each other. Between consecutive tanas, long narrow spaces, 

 are left and used for paddy fields.. In the growing season of rice 

 plants,; water stands close; to the pear roots, the .difference of 

 height between the tree crown and thei water level being fonly: 

 one foot. Also the soil is markedly clayey, and pear, roots 

 remain markedly shallow. Conse'^uently, they come to show- 

 signs of bearing while quite young, but- they dwindle away 

 some ten to fifteen years after the planting. 



