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CHAPTER XXII. 



On the Plum Tree trained against a wall, or as an Espalief. 



There are many kinds of Plums which 

 merit a situation against a wall, indeed some 

 will scarcely be productive without such aid, 

 and of those kinds which bear equally well 

 as standards, or wall trees, the fruit is of a 

 considerably richer flavour and much finer 

 when trained, than when cultivated as stand- 

 ards. In the choice of a tree, and the method 

 of pruning previous to planting, also in the 

 planting, ( See the necessary information given 

 in the respective Chapters upon each.) 



The Plum tree prospers best in a good 

 strong loamy soil, for in light loam or sandy 

 soil, the fruit does not attain to so large a 

 size, or so good a flavour, nor does the fruit 

 set so freely upon the trees. Plums will do 

 against any aspect, but it is the best method 

 to plant early blooming kinds against south 

 or west; the other sorts may be planted 

 upon any aspect, thus by having the same 

 kinds against different aspects, some will 

 ripen earlier than others according to their 

 situation, and a longer continuance of fruit 

 will be obtained. 



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