FORMS OF TREES FOR LONG PRUNING. 67 



this there is certainly no form which equals the 

 espalier carre, of which, as the same indicates, the 

 squareness constitutes the chief advantage. 



This form has, therefore, been selected as a model 

 for walls of about 9 or 10 feet in height, where 

 a large tree of any favourite variety was desired. 

 At the same time it cannot be too often repeated 

 that modern gardeners prefer smaller sized trees, and 

 more in number. In this way a succession of crops 

 is best secured, and a greater variety of fruits may 

 be cultivated. 



For walls of about 12 feet in height the old 

 Montreuil fan is extremely well adapted. It is a 

 symmetrical shape, easy to establish, and durable. 

 In both of these old and well-known forms it will 

 be seen, that the sap has been directed into two 

 main channels, from the commencement of the 

 formation of the trees. These channels remain »to 

 the last as the main arteries of the whole system. 

 Their position, at the most favourable angle, and 

 their early formation cause, as Lepere truly re- 

 marks, the sap to acquire " the habit of using them 

 in preference," while their larger proportions secure 

 a more abundant flow. Kept carefully balanced, 

 by the usual means, during the first five or six 

 years, they continue as the guiding principles of 

 either wing. Their importance and use are aptly 

 explained by their French name, " mother branches/' 

 e 2 



