390 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
i; May 1891. 
HARDY FRUIT. 
[A prize Essay read at a meeting of the Cardiff Gardeners’ Mutual improyemeut 
Society.] 
(^Continued from page 36i.') 
The Peak. 
The progenitor of the most delicious fruit I know is found wild in 
the woods of Britain, and from that the grand varieties of to-day have 
by gradations descended. The needs of both the Apple and the Pear 
are very similar as regards site, soil, methods of propagation and training. 
The stocks, however, differ. The varieties are chiefly grafted upon either 
the free stock—that is, the Pear from seed, or the Quince (Cydonia 
vulgaris). Wherever the soil is deep and good and space no object, have 
the free stock, using the Quince on cold and heavy soils, and in cases 
where sufficient space is not at command. The Quince is to the Pear 
what the Paradise is to the Apple ; both are surface rooting, and need 
generous feeding by mulching the ground. 
Seeds of the Pear soavn and grown on reach the grafting quarters the 
third season. The Quince stock is obtained by inserting cuttings in the 
autumn and early winter in the same way as we do Gooseberry cuttings, 
and are generally fit for grafting after the second year. As I have left 
out the Peach and Apricot from this paper on account of its title, these 
fruits needing the protection of a w’all, I must perforce also omit the 
cultivation of the Pear on walls. But I will say this, that the varieties 
which succeed on walls are not placed there because they are not hardy, 
for it is well known that we usually cover our walls with such varieties 
as Williams’ Bon Chretien, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Marie Louise, &c., 
and no one would call in question the hardiness of these. No ; we cover 
our W'alls with Pears, because it is as profitable a covering as any, and 
more so than some, especially on the western faces, which position they 
usually occupy when so cultivated. 
The Pear as an e.spalier is more desirable than the Apple, horizontal 
form of course, and the directions given for the Apple apply here also as 
regards pruning and training. The cordon is in great favour with some 
cultivators, whether for walls or espaliers ; but the low horizontal form 
of cordon trained to a single wire is a form which seems to be dying out, 
having failed to find favour with practical men. 
The fantastical methods which have been so popular on the Con¬ 
tinent, and of which we sometimes see sorry examples in old establish¬ 
ments in this country, have had also to give way to the horizontal, 
palmette verrier, and fan-shape as being the most effectual and simplest, 
whether for walls or espaliers. The trees budded in August are preferred 
to those that are grafted in April, the union of stock and scion being 
more effectual and complete, and the trees grow away with greater 
vigour. Standards may be planted nearer together than Apples, as 
the habit of the Pear is more erect than the Apple ; prune as directed 
for the latter fruit, and keep the roots near the surface by feeding; 
use the fork for disturbing the soil, as the spade is liable to cairse 
injury to the roots. A space of 18 to 20 feet between the lines and trees 
will be sufiicient for the Pear as a standard. 
Pyramid Pears are very popular. An avenue of Pears cultivated 
on the principles laid down for the Apple will always command admira¬ 
tion, alike for symmetry and fertility. To build up a handsome pyramid 
the main leader should never be allowed to grow away throughout the 
season, but should be pinched when it has grown about a foot; the sap 
would then force its way laterally and form the branches. By this 
pinching system while the growth is in a soft condition we could arrange 
the branches wherever they are required to form a well-balanced tree. 
On the other hand, if the main leader were allowed to grow to its entire 
length without being pinched and cut back in winter only, the result 
would be that another strong leader would be formed, and the balance 
of the tree would not be attained by the formation of the necessary 
branches. It is also grown in the bush form, and allowing for the 
nature of the Pear the same system of culture may be followed as 
recommended for the Apple. 
Many people have become so disgusted with their fruit trees as to 
almost despair of seeing any adequate return, but that was under the 
old system of allowing every shoot, no matter how crowded, to attain 
maturity, and cutting them clean away in winter, only to give place to 
greater abundance of shoots the following season, which were served in 
the same way again, and so on year after year. The great fact that 
three or four well-developed leaves are worth a dozen of a weak texture 
is pretty well understood now. Such leaves alone give fertility, and 
they can only be obtained by the regulation of the growth in the early 
part of the growing season, and before the usual breast pruning takes 
place. 
When trees are advanced in size and fairly settled into bearing they 
never make the growth which is characteristic of youth. The older a tree 
gets the less pruning is required, but it should not be forgotten that to 
maintain fertility we must be generous to the roots. I remember once 
seeing an old pond cleared, and the slimy refuse was deposited in an 
orchard, and left there to get dry to make it fit for further removal. 
The manner in which some of the old stunted specimens of fruit trees 
took the food and put out strong and robust growth which proved fruit¬ 
ful the following season w’as a lesson well learnt and not forgotten. 
The size of the fruit was increased too, and it was a pity that the varie¬ 
ties which came irnder the influence of the manure were cider Apples 
and stewing Pears, instead of being the grand Pippins we have now, or 
the delicious Pears we know. It is somewhat strange, but in another 
part of the same orchard there were some good varieties, including a 
Jargonelle. 
When trees have attained their full growth upward, or nearly so. 
thinning out should be looked to. It may be necessary to remove entire 
branches. Once done it is sufficient for years, and is more often done in 
the case of Apples than Pears. Old trees, whether of Apples or Pears, 
can be renewed if not of good varieties by heading back, and grafting 
good varieties thereon. A portion of the tree may be done at one time, 
the remainder the next season. If done at once the enormous flow 
of sap from such a mass of roots would overpower the grafts, and 
render the whole process nugatory. It is rather a tedious process, but 
it is effectual when well done, and who would not take the trouble 
to change worthless varieties for Marie Louise or Jargonelle if he were 
assured of success, as he might be if he took the trouble ? 
Twelve good Pears are as follows :—Jargonelle, Marie Louise, Louise 
Bonne of Jersey, Fertility, Souvenir du CongrSs, Williams’ Bon 
Chretien, BeurrI Hardy, Pitmaston Duchess, Beurrd Diel, Ne Plus 
Meuris, Beurrd d’Amanli.s, and Bishop’s Thumb. 
(To be continued.) 
THE CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW. 
May 9th. 
The Exhibition at the Palace on Saturday last afforded a surprise 
to many horticultural visitors, especially those who have not attended 
for the past year or two. In number of exhibits the Show surpassed 
those held recently, and there were also many of considerable merit, 
but a great change has taken place in exhibitions of this character. 
The large specimens, at one time so important a feature, are no longer 
seen, and that perhaps would not be so great a loss if the smaller 
ones were equally well grown. Unfortunately, with a few exceptions, 
this does not appear to be the case, and it is becoming evident that 
unless more care is exercised in the culture of exhibition specimens 
they will be gradually excluded from schedules, and groups will take 
their place. A few shapeless and poorly flowered so-called “ specimens ” 
in a class present a sorry appearance without the aid of other plants 
to counterbalance their imperfections, as could be done in a group 
arranged for effect. 
At the Palace Show stove and greenhouse plants were represented 
in first-rate condition by few exhibitors. Mr. Chapman, who took the 
lead in both open and amateurs’ classes, had decidedly the best and 
freshest, some of his medium-sized specimens being as good in all points 
as could be desired, but there was a great falling off in many of the 
others. Mr. 0. Turner’s Azaleas were, as usual, ahead of all exhibits, 
and gained him the honours, but they were not up to his usual style 
throughout. Fine-foliage plants, including Ferns, Crotons, Dracsenas, &c., 
w'ere numerous and vigorous, but the Crotons were deficient in colour, 
as might be expected in such a season. The Ferns which gained Mr. 
Howe of Streatham the premier prize in the amateurs’ classes were, 
however, admirable, and indicated the best of cultural attention in 
their luxuriant clean, fresh fronds. 
Calceolarias were better shown than usual. Though the plants were 
small they were compact and sturdy, with well developed brightly 
coloured flowers, and these characters were especially notable in Mr. 
Guyett’s two collections, with each of which be gained a first prize, 
Messrs. J. Carter & Co.’s non-competing group of Calceolarias also found 
many admirers, the plants being of good habit, the colours varied and 
bright. Orchids on the other hand were most poorly represented, 
perhaps one of the worst displays ever seen at a show of this character. 
In the classes for Eoses Messrs. Paul & Son of Cheshunt and Mr. 0, 
Turner were the prizewinners with well grown examples of the most 
popular Roses, while Messrs. W. Paul & Son’s non-competing group of 
Roses in front of the stage was an important feature in this part of 
the Show. Table plants were also extremely well shown, the com¬ 
petition being very keen and close, as eight collections of eighteen each 
were staged, and in addition to nine from Messrs. Hazell of Bickley 
Park, Carter of Ewell, and Lane of Caterham, who won the prizes in 
that order; several of the others had praiseworthy exhibits, the best being 
that from Mr. Edwards of Witley. Pelargoniums were very showy and 
most welcome, Mr. Turner and Mr. Phillips, both of Slough, winning 
the honours in the open and amateurs’ classes respectively. 
Floral decorations formed an interesting department, and again 
Messrs. Perkins & Sons of Coventry signalised themselves by taking 
three first prizes. Mr. Newman of Bromley, however, also exhibited 
some tasteful arrangements, as also did Mr. Butcher of Norwood and 
Mr. Clark of Balham. 
The miscellaneous non-competing exhibits were numerous and of 
great merit ; in addition to those incidentally mentioned extra prizes 
were awarded to Messrs. B. S. 'Williams & Son, Upper Holloway, for a 
large group of flowering plants ; to Messrs. Laing & Sons, Forest Hill, 
for a tasteful and effective display ; to Messrs. Peed & Son, Tulse Hill, 
for a fine group in which some excellent Anthuriums were prominent. 
Daffodils and hardy flowers came from Messrs. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, 
and Barr & Son, Covent Garden ; a handsome group of greenhouse 
plants from Messrs. Cutbush & Sons ; and Tree Mignonette from Mr. 
J. A. Cairston. In the special class provided by Messrs. James Carter 
and Co., 237 and 238, High Holborn, London, for the best brace of 
“ Carters’ Model Cucumber,” Mr. T. Lockie, Oakley Court Gardens, 
Windsor, was first with fine specimens. The following are the awards 
in the chief classes :— 
Open Classes. —Nine Stove and Greenhouse Plants.—First, Mr. 
W. Chapman, gardener to J. Spode, Esq., Hawkesyard Park, Rugeley. 
Second, Mr. Henry James, Castle Nursery, W. Norwood. Third, Mr. 
J. F. Mould, Exotic Nursery, Pewsey, Wilts. Nine Greenhouse Azaleas. 
—First, Mr. C. Turner, The Royal Nurseries, Slough. Second, Mr. 
