64 



THE GARDENER. 



between tlie respective stems occasions a short dura- 

 tion of the union. The enlargement of the pear-stem 

 in the case of strong growing varieties is indeed gene- 

 rally too much for quince stocks. There are several 

 varieties of the quince, and the sort that has the broad- 

 est leaves, and which has the nearest correspondence 

 in regard to horizontal growth with that of the pear, 

 should be preferred for stocks. 



The pear-tree will thrive in any rich loamy soil ; 

 but it is only where the subsoil is naturally congenial, 

 or rendered so artificially, that it will continue to pro- 

 duce good crops of well-flavoured fruit. A clay sub- 

 soil is bad, and so is in fact any other that will hold 

 water. Good drainage is absolutely necessary, and 

 shallow planting cannot be too much recommended. 

 The monks in former times were aware of the advan- 

 tages arising from having the roots near the surface ; 

 for stones and slates have been found below old fruit- 

 trees, which had been planted at monasteries once in 

 their possession. 



Manure is not so liable to prove injurious to the pear 

 and apple as it is to stone fruits. On the contrary, 

 unless the trees be growing too strong, manure, judi- 

 ciously applied, will always prove beneficial. 



Pears are deemed worthy of the expense of walls, 

 but this is often an unnecessary expenditure for want 

 of a properly formed border, and thorough draining, 

 where the subsoil renders such necessary. Brick 

 rubbish is a good bottoming ; or a bed of concrete, 

 two or three inches thick, laid sloping from the wall 

 towards a drain in front, is unquestionably one of the 

 best modes that could be practised ; and it is the only 

 efiectual one to prevent the roots from penetrating be- 

 yond a limited depth ; for they will often find their 

 way through a stratum of stones or brick-rubbish. 

 The depth of soil need not exceed 2J feet. The best 



