The Cordon System of Training Fruit Trees. 147 



getting soiled by earthy splashings. By having something planted 

 underneath which would prevent this, we might bring the cordon 

 lower down ; but though I have thought of several things likely to do 

 thiSj none of them are very satisfactory. Doubtless, however, we 

 shall yet find something that may be cultivated with profit imme- 

 diately under the cordon and prevent the splashings, 'and then be 

 able to bring it within six inches of the earth. Plant at six feet 

 apart or more if the soil be very rich, and such as the apple grows 

 vigorously in. If the soil be a sand, sandy loam, or of a dry nature, 

 use what is called the "English Paradise stock," and if it be a wet 

 or clayey soil use the true French Paradise. 



If an opportunity occurs for testing the two stocks side by side,, 

 and worked with the same kinds, take advantage of it by all means, 

 and thus ascertain exactly what suits your soil and climate. The 

 French Paradise is invaluable for cold and wet soils, though hitherto 

 it has been condemned as useless " except on those of a very light 

 and dry nature '" — the very ones which it dislikes. Test it by aU 

 means ; it is only by experiments in various soils and situations that 

 we can ascertain the true value of a plant. So far as I have ob- 

 served, the " English Paradise," though excellent, never gives such 

 very large fruit as the " Pommier de Paradis" of the French. Much 

 care should be exercised as to the selection of kinds. As the system 

 is chiefly valuable for the production of superb dessert fruit, only 

 the finest kinds should be selected. The following will be found 

 very suitable : — Reinette du Canada, Calville Blanche, Cox's. 

 Orange Pippin, Duke of Devonshire, Kerry Pippin, Lodgemore 

 Nonpareil, White Nonpareil," Newtown Pippin, The Mother, Early 

 Harvest, Lord Burleigh, and other handsome and well-flavoured eat- 

 ing apples. Wherever it is desired to grow and show splendid 

 specimens of select kitchen kinds, the following will be found ex- 

 cellent : — Beauty of Kent, Bedfordshire Foundling, Lord Suffield, 

 Cox's Pomona, Dumelow's Seedling, Hawthornden, Tower of 

 Glammis, and new or winter Hawthornden, Betty Geeson, 

 and Small's Admirable. There are many other first-rate dessert 

 and cooking apples worthy of culture in this way, and the selec- 



