By Mr. Thomas Torbron. 



215 



The Pear trees on Free stocks were all nearly eighty years 

 old, (or coeval with the walls) and previous to 1818 extended 

 over from forty to sixty feet of twelve-foot walls, but for 

 several years they had been unproductive, being crowded 

 with old wood, and long projecting spurs. They were all cut 

 back in 1818, 1819 and 1820, nearly close to the trunk, and 

 that was cut also down three or four feet above the surface 

 of the ground. These trees now occupy individually, from 24 

 to 30 feet of the same walls, are furnished with healthy 

 and fruitful wood, being quite renovated, and bear as much 

 as trees of the same sorts, that were planted in good fresh 

 soil, and against new walls, from twenty to twenty-seven 

 years ago, and which from their age, may be said to be in 

 their prime as to bearing. 



I am, Sir, 



with much respect, 



your very humble servant, 



Ashridge Gardens, TlIOMAS ToRBRON. 



December 20, 1826. 



Note by Alexander Seton, Esq. F. H. S. 

 To the useful information contained in the above paper, I 

 wish, chiefly with the view of calling the attention of more 

 competent persons to the same object, to add a few remarks, 

 arising from limited experience and observation, relating to 

 the soils respectively adapted to Pear and Quince trees ; a 

 due attention to which will enable us to derive the greater 

 benefit from the practice here recommended, of using stocks 

 of the latter description. 1 have found that a stiff clayey 



