86 



FRUIT TREES. 



Training of the Pear Tree in the form of a 



Column. 



The two forms we have described are the most con- 

 venient, especially the pjrramid. They both, however, 

 require much space, and are therefore less suited for 

 small gardens, as so few varieties can be cultivated. 

 The column form will be better adapted for small 

 gardens. This form consists of a single vertical stem, 

 growing to the height of 20 feet or more, and furnished 

 from bottom to top with fruit-branches. 



The column form is not so sightly, but presents 

 several advantages ; it casts less shade, and occupies 

 less ground than pyramid trees, permits the cultivation 

 of other products in the neighbourhood, and more 

 varieties may be grown upon the same space of ground. 

 We are disposed to think, moreover, that the fruit- 

 branches form more readily, and being better exposed 

 to the action of the sun, and growing directly from the 

 main stem, are more fertile, and the fruit is generally 

 finer. But this success can only be obtained under 

 certain conditions. First, the trees must be grafted 

 upon quince stocks. If grafted upon the pear they will 

 become too vigorous, and produce only wood- branches. 

 The trees should be planted in warm, light soil, of 

 medium fertility. 



The method of forming these trees is very simple. 

 At the first pruning the young stem is cut much longer 

 than for pyramid trees. The object aimed at is to 

 cover the entire length of the stem with dards or twigs, 

 and on no account with vigorous woody branches. 



