AUGUST. 
235 
get the tree to the top of the wall and furnished with side branches 
as soon as possible, after which the tree will only extend on each side, 
and maintain an equal growth. The horizontal form, when applied to 
espalier-rail trees, should vary slightly#from fig. 12 ; that is, instead of 
an upright stem, it is preferable to divide the tree in the centre, so that 
one side does not interfere with the other, the motive being to divert the 
upright flow of sap into two channels, which will have a tendency to 
preserve an equal growth in the tree, and lessen the excessive growth 
in the centre which is sure to occur in low trees with an upright stem. 
This mode of growing fruit trees is so well known that it needs but 
little description here, further than a few hints relative to the formation 
of the tree which may be of service to the beginner. Stakes are mostly 
used for fixing the branches, but wires strained about a foot apart, and 
five in number, are preferable ; otherwise, iron wattles with five bars, 
which will answer well. Choose a tree with four shoots, two of which 
will form the lower branches ; the others brought upwards, and the 
points trained in a horizontal position at the place where the second 
Fig. 13. 
branches are required; at the bend of these shoots others will be thrown 
out the following summer, which must be trained as before, and so on 
'■ till the tree is furnished with the desired number of horizontal branches : 
stop all shoots during summer, with the exception of those that are 
required for leaders. 
Although this is a very good plan of growing the Apple, the Pear, 
the Plum, and Cherry, it is now nearly abandoned in large gardens, the 
preference being given to bush-trees and pyramids ; still it is a very 
neat way of cultivating fruit in a small garden; it occupies but little 
space, and may be grown to advantage by the side of the principal 
walks. 
Vertical training is a mode well adapted for the Vine and the 
Currant, and in order to produce this form a horizontal shoot is trained 
right and left from the stem, near the base of the wall, from which 
vertical shoots are trained at equal distances. 
