PYEAMIDS ON THE PEAE STOCK 55 



avoided. The strong laterals should have the terminal 

 bud nipped in June and the rest of the pruning com- 

 pleted in September. There is no occasion, however, 

 to make a mound up to the junction of the graft with 

 the stock, as the pear does not really emit roots. Annual 

 root-pruning is almost indispensable to pyramids on 

 pear stocks in small gardens, and it will much facili- 

 tate this operation if each tree be planted on a small 

 mound ; the roots are then so easily brought to the 

 surface. This annual operation, which should be done 

 in November, may be dispensed with in soils not rich, 

 if the trees be lifted biennially in that month and re- 

 planted, merely pruning off the ends of any long roots. 

 Annual surface manuring, as recommended for pyramids 

 on the quince, is also necessary, if the trees be root- 

 pruned or biennially removed. 



Trees of the usual size and quality may be planted, 

 and suffered to remain two years undisturbed, unless 

 the soil be rich and they make vigorous shoots (say 

 eighteen inches in length) the first season after plant- 

 ing, in which case operations may then commence the 

 first season. Thus, supposing a tree to be planted in 

 November or December, it may remain untouched 

 two years from that period ; and then as early in 

 autumn as possible a circumferential trench, twelve 

 inches deep, should be dug, and every root cut with 

 the knife and brought near to the surface, and the 

 spade introduced under the trees so as to completely 

 intercept every perpendicular root. 



