PRUNING. 



203 



a tree, distinguished by the merits as well as also the weakness of trees. 

 The multiple three-stemmed cordon (Pig. 34) is large enough for peaches. 

 Some of the best results we have seen have been from single cordons (Pig. 

 31) and TJ-shaped cordons (Pig. 32). The shoots of these may be trained 

 from 1ft. to 15in. apart, and they wJU prove the most prolific- and pro- 

 fitable of trees at such distances. Cordon peaches would prove useful 

 in most large gardens ; they are, doubtless, the only peach trees possible 

 in myriads of small ones. 



■ While few English cultivators have either the time or the talent to 

 follow their near neighbours across the Channel through the difficult 



Fia. 35. 



mazes of purely ornamental training, perhaps a few readers might be 

 ambitious of displaying their names in illuminated or verdant green 

 characters on their garden walls or residences, and we, therefore, 

 conclude this chapter with Pig. 35, which will afford a hint at least of 

 how at once to achieve such immortality, and at the same time, perhaps, 

 gather a, few luscious peaches between the flourishes. 



Pruning. 



Peunino has already been adverted to in as far as pruning is a part of, or 

 associated with, skiUul training. But pruning is as essential after the tree 

 is moulded into form, or has reached full size, as before ; it concentrates 

 and augments fertility, provide^ a succession of bearing wood, and 



D 



