PLANTING. 22'3 



an additional supernumerary tree might be planted on either side of the 

 rider, and half way between it and the permanent dwarf. These might be 

 allowed to fprow very freely, and yield as much fruit as possible, as their 

 form, &c., is of less moment than that of the permanent trees, in the 

 •culture of which, for the first few years, form should have precedence of 

 iertUit^. As an average distance for fan shaped trees on walls 

 lOft. high, 15ft. may safely be accepted. Between each dwarf 

 a haJf or tall standard, or rider should be placed.. During all 

 the earlier stages of the dwarf tree the tall ones would clothe 

 "the upper part of the walls. By the time the two have met the cultivator 

 win have discovered how his land, climate, and treatment agree with the 

 peaches and nectarines, and will easily decide whether the rider is to be 

 cut out or not. It is often more profitable to retain both trees, and thus 

 concentrate their energies into smaller compass. The many severe 

 winters and springs of recent years have induced many to plant closer, as 

 affording a better chance of a. crop. Sudden frost late in the season 

 not seldom kills not only the fiowers and twigs, but considerable boughs. 

 XJnder such circumstances it is well to have other trees near at hand to 

 grow up the gaps thus made. Such risks are now so frequent that they 

 should be taken into account in determining the distances between peach 

 irees on walls. Few things are more offensive to the eye or more un- 

 profitable to the pocket than the occurrence of gaps on peach walls, and if 

 •closer planting wiU assist in lessening their numbers and reducing their 

 •size it ought to be adopted. Where the peach grows indifferently, and is 

 specially subject to accident, the permanent dwarfs might be planted 10ft. 

 apart with a, rider between them. This would furnish the wall with 

 sufScient root power almost to defy serious loss from the accidental break 

 down of the trees, though it must be admitted that walls furnished with 

 such small trees lose much of the dignity and grandeur of those famished 

 ■with the more noble triumphs of the cultivator's art and skiU, perfect 

 peach trees covering the entire wall, placed at intervals of 15ft., 20ft., or 

 even 24ft. apart. 



For cordon trees a yard apart is sufficient. This affords a. good space 

 between for the production and full exposure of sufficient wood and 

 leaves to keep the trees in robust health. This mode of growing the 

 peach has made but little progress in the open air in England. There 

 seems no good reason for the prejudice that seems to exist against it ; it 

 is admirably adapted for small gardens. There are thousands who have 

 no room for a stately peach tree, that might find a cozy nook or corner 

 for one or half a dozen cordons — one posted here, another there, about 

 their small gardens. Peach trees are highly ornamental, as well as 

 useful. There is hardly a flowering plant, unless it. be the rose. 



