On Training Standard Apple Trees. 



187 



branches thus secured is about four feet. The general outline 

 of the tree has much resemblance to that of a balloon, and the 

 cords which are attached all round to the hoop in a slanting 

 direction inwards, increase the similitude. 



After the fruit has been gathered, the fastenings are re- 

 moved ; in winter the trees are pruned, the upright shoots 

 which have been made, are shortened to spurs, except where 

 fresh branches are wanted to complete the uniformity and 

 regularity of the whole, and in spring the operation of tying 

 is repeated. 



As the trees increase in size, the distance of the hoop from 

 the stem of the tree will of course be increased ; but I con- 

 ceive, that by proper care and attention to the pruning and 

 laying in of the young branches, the whole will continue to 

 preserve the direction and figure given when young, even to 

 an advanced age. 



It is scarcely possible to conceive a row of trees in a 

 garden more beautiful than one thus arranged, not only 

 from the uniformity in size, and regularity of growth of the 

 trees, but from the beautiful display of blossoms and fruit 

 in the different seasons, occasioned by this peculiar mode 

 of training, which is calculated to exhibit the whole so per- 

 fectly. 



The advantages of the plan are many and important. The 

 downward inclination given to the branches increases the dis- 

 position to form blossom buds, and consequently to produce 

 more abundantly ; the foliage is well exposed to receive the 

 influence of the light and air ; the fruit is uniformly distri- 

 buted over the surface of the tree, and does not suffer from 



