472 On the advantages of Root Pruning in Pear Trees. 



trees I found they had no large feeding roots but only a mass of 

 fibres. I also found that if such trees were by accident planted 

 near, or in, rich soil, comparatively large feeding roots were formed ; 

 they commenced growing with vigour, and their fruit bearing pro- 

 pensities were proportionately diminished, their tufty fibrous roots 

 gradually disappearing. I mention this without endeavouring to 

 draw any conclusions from it, as it is intended simply to state the 

 progress of my ideas. It then occurred to me that if I could keep 

 the roots of my Pear Trees in the same state by frequent removals, 

 I should make them acquire the stunted and prolific habit I had so 

 long observed in Apples.* 



In attempting to remove my Pear Trees, a second thought oc- 

 curred, that it would be less trouble to dig a trench round them 

 and cut all their roots at a certain distance from the stem, and this 

 completely fulfilled my anticipations. I have pruned radically for 

 five seasons, and with the most satisfactory result. 



Shoots of the Autumn Bon Chretien of last season's growth 

 were only three to four inches long, the root having been pruned 

 December 1838. A tree in this state should have one or even 

 two years' rest, that is its roots should not be again pruned till it 

 makes shoots six to eight inches long in one season. 



The Passe Madeleine (fig. A.) whose roots were pruned in De- 

 cember 1838 has made no shoots, but is covered with blossom 

 buds. 



In the Vallee franche (fig. B.) the maximum of last year's shoots 

 was four inches ; this tree was arrested by root pruning in Decem- 

 ber 1838, and is now covered with blossom buds. 



* I think I may say that I knew a small and neglected quarter of Apple Trees, in 

 my younger days, that were six or eight years stationary as regards growth, but 

 perfectly healthy and bearing every year profusely, the soil a stiff loam. 



