86 



his time. According to the principle already men- 

 tioned, the tree is divided into two equal parts, in the 

 form of the letter Y. In order to effect this, two, and 

 sometimes four, principal branches (mother-branches) 

 are established, which constitute, as it were, the ske- 

 leton of the tree. The following sketch from the 

 Bon Jardinier'^ of a tree three years trained, will give 

 an idea of the arrangement. In the case of the two 

 mother-branches, they are attached to the wall at an 

 angle of 45 degs. ; but when there are four, the 

 centre angle is somewhat less. Although recom- 



mended in most French works, it is not advisable to 

 fix the branches at first in so low a position as they 

 are ultimately to occupy, since the branches in the 

 centre will invariably get the start of the others, as 

 has been experienced in certain attempts at imitation 

 in this country. The other branches are all situated 

 on these principal limbs, and diverge from them at 

 angles varying with the age and vigour of the tree. 



