HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 87 
In these cases cutting down is the best mode of treating a pear tree, 
whether it be in the shape of a pyramid or of a fan-trained tree ; but why 
have recourse to it when unnecessary ? It can be easily dispensed with, as 
a few examples will show. 
In November, 1851, a nursery was destroyed, but all the plants in it, 
good and bad, were replanted ; both plans, viz., cutting down and not 
cutting down, were tried, and the results obtained by the latter mode of 
treatment were as follows : — The worst plants were not cut down until the 
month of March in this year, and their renewed growth was directly propor- 
tional to the mode in which they were taken up, and of the state of vitality 
of their roots ; nor did they disappoint the hopes which had been entertained 
of them. 
The good pyramids taken up with care were replanted with all necessary 
precaution. .In March, 1852, they were not cut down but pruned one-fifth 
shorter than they were before. The flowers which appeared the first year 
were taken off, in order that the fruit might not absorb the sap which should 
be expended in the elongation of the wood. In 1853 these pyramids were 
pruned just as if they had been of old standing, and they produced a certain 
quantity of fruit. These trees are now in as satisfactory a state as possible. 
It is true that only the fruit on the vigorous branches had been kept, and 
that, as in 1852, all the flowers on the more feeble branches have been 
destroyed. By this means, and by pinching in April, May, June, and July, 
the equilibrium of the sap has been maintained, and a perfect harmony has 
been established in the wood of the trees. 
It did not appear prudent to delay the pinching until August, as advised 
by M. Jussiaume ; by this time the vigorous buds have gained so much on 
the more feeble ones that it is too late to establish the equilibrium, which 
the development of strong parts has destroyed. 
The best plan to be followed by those who intend to plant fruit trees is 
to choose the best formed plants from the neighboring nurseries, and to 
plant them from the month of November with the necessary precautions, 
which are but too often overlooked. Thus if a tree is to be replaced, the 
old soil should be removed and a new soil rich in humus should be substi- 
tuted. If at the time of plantation the ground is very dry, it is advisable, 
when the plant is well in its place at the proper depth, to water the earth at 
the foot of the tree from a pot with a rose ; the roots will thus be consolida- 
ted, and will strike before winter. 
In November, 1852, some fan-trained pear trees, and not less than five 
yards in extent, were also transplanted, at the same place — Petit Bourg. 
