380 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF PRUNING 



borders, where it takes up relatively little room ; that it allows free 

 circulation of air and light; that it casts little shade; and that it 

 bears abundantly. It consists of a principal or vertical stem, cov- 

 ered with lateral branches from a point an inch or so above ground 

 to the top of the tree. The branches, which grow somewhat 

 obliquely, are separated from each other by a distance of about 10 

 inches, diminishing gradually in length from bottom to top, thus 

 forming a cone, the largest diameter of which is about one-third 

 of the total height. 



280. The column or spindle.— This form, adapted to pears and 

 apple trees, has the advantage of taking up less room than the 

 pyramid and of bearing more quickly. On the other hand, it is not 

 so long-lived, and is suitable for less vigorous varieties only. The 

 column differs from the pyramid only in its shorter lateral branches. 



281. The vase. — Around a central stem, and at a distance of about 

 5 inches above the ground, arise branches which grow first hori- 

 zontally and then vertically, in such a way as to give to the entire 

 tree the form of a vase. The branches must be separated from each 

 other by a distance of about 10 inches, and they are maintained in 

 this position by tying them to hoops fastened to stakes inserted in 

 the ground. This form is justly much esteemed. It allows a free 

 circulation of light and air through all its parts. 



282. The horizontal cordon is suitable especially for apple trees 

 grafted on Paradise stock, and to the less vigorous varieties of 

 pear trees grafted on quince stock. This form is especially to be 

 recommended for the borders of walks. It consists of a stem which 

 brst grows vertically, then bent at a certain height, and is main- 

 tained in this horizontal position by attaching it to wire. The trees 

 are planted at a distance of 6 to 10 feet apart and their stems, when 

 meeting, form a long, unbroken garland or wreath, which makes 

 a very pretty effect. 



283. Espalier training, to be especially recommended, is suitable 

 for all kinds of fruit trees. It allows the cultivation of varieties 

 the fruits of which would not ripen at all, or would ripen incom- 

 pletely in a more exposed situation. When trained against walls, 

 they receive an amount of heat sufficient to produce fruit of a 

 superior quality. These include peaches, grapes, certain kinds of 

 apricots, apples, pears, etc. The simplest form of espalier is the 

 vertical cordon, which allows the trees to be planted very near to- 

 gether, which soon brings in a moderate return, and in a few years 

 covers the wall. Like the column, this form is suitable for only 

 the less vigorous varieties. It must be trained against a moderately 

 high wall, for its growth is considerably stimulated by the suppres- 

 sion of its lateral branches, so the principal stem has a tendency 

 to grow rapidly. Whenever it is necessary to cut them back very 

 much, it produces an excessive development of wood, to the detri- 

 ment of its productiveness. A form like a U is frequently em- 

 ployed. It is certainly one of the best. 



284. The candelabrum is formed by several lateral branches, from 



