208 



RESTORATION OF 



almost entire, and tlié others cut back successively, 

 giving a length of six inches to those at the top, and of 

 twelve to the central one which continues the stem. 



During the following summer the sap is again forced 

 back towards the lower part by means of continued 

 pinchings, and the tree will then shortly begin to 

 assume the desired pyramidal form. 



Espaliers, — It is necessary to make a distinction 

 between the treatment of pépin and stone fruit. 



In proceeding to restore pear or apple trees, of what- 

 ever age, provided they are sufficiently vigorous, to a 

 regular form, we seek among the various ramifications 

 at the base three branches, one to form the new stem, 

 and the other two for the first principal side branches. 

 All the other branches are removed, and the two side 

 ones cut back to about twelve inches. The stem is cut 

 immediately above the place where the second stage of 

 side branches ought to spring. Afterwards the treat- 

 ment is the same as for palmettes, previously described. 



If the trees contain no branches suitable for the 

 purpose, they must be cut at twelve inches above the 

 ground to make them develop three shoots proper for 

 commencing the wood of the palmetto. 



These methods of renovating pépin fruits will 

 almost always prove successful, because they possess 

 the property of developing new shoots upon even the 

 most aged branches ; but this does not apply to stone 

 fruits, and particularly not to peaches. Their restora- 

 tion is therefore much more difficult, however vigorous 

 they may be. 



Restoration in this case can only be assured when 



