34 



THE MINIATURE FRUIT GARDEN. 



is within six inches of the ground, it will be difficult 

 to bend the trees to the required position. By this 

 simple contrivance, pears (and even peaches and nec- 

 tarines, in warm gardens) may be grown in any cor- 

 ner of the garden, with a south or southwestern expo- 

 sure — for it is scarcely necessary to add that the 

 lights should slope to the south or south-west, so as to 

 have all the sun-heat possible. 



The most eligible dimensions for a trellis, I find 

 from experience to be as follows : — 



Glass^ Lights. 



Eight feet long, three feet wide. 



Height from ground at back, three feet six inches. 



Height from ground at front, one foot six inches. 



Trellis. 



Height from ground at bach, two feet six inches. 

 Height from ground at front, six inches. 

 Distance from glass lights, one foot. 



The front border should be raised to a level with the 

 front of trellis ; this will leave twelve inches between 

 the front ends of the lights and the surface of the 

 front border, which will be quite enough for ventila- 

 tion ; indeed, the draught in windy weather is inclined 

 to be too sharp. I find, therefore, furze, or other ever- 

 green branches, placed along the front, between the 

 glass and the border, and a mat nailed at the back, 

 excellent checks to excessive ventilation in cold frosty 

 weather. They may remain there till the beginning 

 or end of June ; the latter, if the weather be cold and 

 stormy. The lights are fastened to the plate, back 

 and front, by a hook-and-eye; they are thus easily 

 removed to prune the trees and gather the fruit. 

 I was induced, as I thought, to improve upon Mr. 



