66 



THE GARDENER. 



this mode into disuse. It is however worthy of re- 

 mark, that a greater extent of fohage can he exposed 

 to direct light hy espalier training than by any other 

 on an equal extent of ground. New varieties will do 

 away with the objection of unproductiveness ; and al- 

 though the contact of metallic substances is not con- 

 genial to vegetable growth, yet the principal supports 

 of the espalier might be constructed of cast-iron, which 

 w^ould prove an ultimate saving ; the small intermedi- 

 ate wood -work that w^ould be requisite could be easily 

 replaced. 



In the cultivation of pears as standards, the head is 

 allowed to take nearly its natural course, being only 

 subjected to such regulations, by pruning, as are ne- 

 cessary to preserve the equality of the principal 

 branches with regard both to strength and distance ; 

 and likewise to render the whole sufficiently thin, in 

 order that the sun's rays may be freely admitted. 



In some situations, many kinds of pears remain long 

 unfruitful ; the best means of rendering them other- 

 wise is of course a most important desideratum. So 

 long as circumstances are very favourable for the 

 growth of wood, blossom-buds are not likely to be 

 produced; the production of the latter results from a 

 more inspissated state of the juices ; and wiU not take 

 place whilst a copious flow of sap is continued. This 

 may be interrupted by ligatures, ringing, grafting, or 

 other analogous means. But these means frequently 

 afford only a temporary remedy, and a repetition of 

 the process is at the expense of the energies of the tree, 

 so that it is rendered too weak for future bearing. 

 There is still a more important object which the above 

 means are not calculated to effect. If the roots are in 

 a cold subsoil or out of the reach of solar influence, 

 the fruit will only acquire an inferior degree of flavour. 

 If however the tree be carefully removed (for dohig 

 which autumn is the best season) , the soil well dug, or 



