172 THE MTNIATIIEE FEUIT GAEDEN 



the main roots, and tlie tree gently heaved. If a tap 

 root has been made it should be cut. The proper time 

 to perform ^this operation is near the end of October 

 and any time afterwards to the middle or end of 

 February; but it is better done in October and 

 November, as many fresh roots will be formed after the 

 operation, even during what are called the dead months 

 of the year. 



Single oblique cordons may be carried to the height 

 of ten or twelve feet ; in fact, there is no limit, except 

 the will of the planter. A fresh string of wire may 

 be added annually as the cordons increase in length. 

 They may also be limited to the height of four or five 

 feet. 



Pig. 27 is from a photograph of an upright-trained 

 tree, with five vertical cordons springing from a common 

 base. Trees may be purchased already trained in this 

 form, but the double horizontal cordon may at pleasure 

 be changed into this form by selecting strong shoots 

 at regular intervals, fastening them to stout stakes, 

 and summer pinching them as practised for oblique 

 cordons. 



Pig. 28 is a fan cordon, and the advantage of the 

 simple method of summer pinching will at once be seen. 

 Instead of a wall being perforated all over with nails 

 few only are required to fasten the shoots selected for 

 cordons. This form may consist of five, seven, or more 

 cordon branches. The symmetry of the tree should be 

 the point most strictly attended to, a symmetrical tree 



