On Horizontal Espalier Training. 45 



as well as to steady them. If stakes of small ash, Spanish 

 chestnut, or the like, from coppices, or thinnings of young 

 plantations, be used, they will last for three or four years, 

 provided they are from one inch and a half to two inches 

 diameter, at a foot from the bottom. They need not be 

 extended farther in the first instance than the distance it be 

 considered probable the trees may reach in three years growth; 

 at that period, or the following season, they will all require to 

 be renewed ; and the new ones may be placed on each side, 

 to the extent that the trees may be thought to require, 

 while these stakes last ; finishing the top, as before with a 

 rail. 



As the trees extend their horizontal branches, and acquire 

 substance, the two stakes on each side of the one that sup- 

 ports the centre leader of the tree, can be spared, and removed 

 to any of the extremities where wanted. And as the tree 

 extends further, and acquires more substance, every other 

 stake will .be found sufficient : and the centre stake can be 

 spared also, after the leader has reached its destined height, 

 and is of a sufficient substance to support itself erect. When 

 such a form of training is completed, and the branches of 

 sufficient magnitude, about six, eight, or twelve stakes will be 

 sufficient for the support of the horizontal branches, even 

 when they have the burden of a full crop of fruit. At any 

 other time, about six stakes to each tree will be all that are 

 necessary. 



In selecting my trees for the usual horizontal training ; I 

 look out for those which have three fine shoots. Or it is 

 better to plant them one year where they are to remain to 

 get their roots well established ; and then to head them 



