320 



English Orchards. 



in their respective localities by the production of fine typical 

 specimens of all kinds of fruit for exhibition at shows. These 

 shows have not only enabled fruit growers to see what kinds- 

 can be successfully grown in particular districts, but they 

 have also brought under their notice new varieties possessing- 

 desirable characteristics, and have taught them to appreciate 

 the effect of skilful treatment upon the size, appearance^ 

 and quality of the fruit. Some County Councils, too, are 

 assisting in the work of improvement by the provision of 

 lectures on fruit culture. The increased interest which has- 

 recently been manifested in the manufacture of cider and 

 perry in this country has encouraged nurserymen in districts 

 where cider and perry fruits are grown to turn their attentions 

 to the reproduction of the true types of old varieties cele- 

 brated for their cider and perry making qualities, as well as 

 of new sorts suitable for these purposes. 



An important development in fruit culture in recent years 

 has been the extension of the system of growing fruit upon 

 dwarf trees, bushes or pyramids, and upon half standards. 

 There are other forms, as cordons, single and double upright^ 

 horizontal, and slanting, but these are more suitable for 

 gardens. Many dwarf and pyramidal apple and pear trees,, 

 and half standards, are planted in gardens and shrubberies 

 as ornamental trees, both for their wealth of blossom in May,, 

 and of pretty coloured fruit in September and October. 

 Though this system of dwarfing fruit trees was introduced from 

 France more than forty years ago, it has only been practised 

 upon anything like a large scale since 187^, but it is 

 now extending very rapidly. The dwarf trees are obtained 

 by grafting apple scions upon what is known as the Paradise 

 stock, and pear scions upon the quince stock., The advan- 

 tages claimed for dwarfs are that they yield a quick return • 

 their fruit is of good quality, as training and pruning can be 

 easily, and therefore s}^stematically, done ; and they can, with- 

 out much difTiculty, be kept comparatively free from the 

 numerous insects and fungi that attack apple and pear trees. 

 Dwarfed trees come into bearing in the second year, and, if 

 properly managed, yield for a long period large crops of fruit 

 of fine flavour, large size, and good colour. Ihey have been 



