It is a favorite theory of some writers that fruitfulness and barrenness in plants and trees are influenced by the mode of training. Constraining fruit-trees within limited bounds we know answers a good purpose. Hayward, an English writer on the subject, has explained various modes, which we here repeat for the amusement of amateurs. The following in brief is his method:

If it be desired to train fruit-trees so as to fill a circular space, they are best trained with their branches reversed; they thus bear a great deal of fruit in a small space, and are protected from high winds without stakes. Obtain plants with one upright stem, of from three to four feet in height, and at this height let them throw out from four to six branches three or four feet long, like Fig. 1. Bring down the branches at the winter pruning and fix them to a hoop with willow or twine, thus, Fig. 2. The sap will not now flow in sufficient quantity down the branches to form wood branches at their ends, but the buds will readily form for blossom buds and fruit. The wood shoots will be thrown out on the upper sides of the reversed branches, and in winter may be cut out or brought down as before for a second tier, as in Fig. 3; and, on the same principles, maybe carried to a greater height. Remove all collaterals as soon as discovered, and as the reversed branches are worn out they must be cut away, and fresh ones brought down.

Two tiers will be as much as will be manageable or useful.

Fig. 1.

Fig. 2.

Fig. 3.

The "spiral cylinder" is well adapted to small gardens. Prune and manage the tree so that it shall form four or six branches of nearly equal size near the ground, Fig. 4. When these are three to five feet long, fix six rods or stakes into the earth for supports, in a circle about the root, as in Fig. 5, the centre dot marking the root, and the others the rods. Each branch is then to be brought down, and being fixed to the rod near its base, the branch is to be carried round in a spiral manner, on such an elevation as will form an inclination of fifteen degrees, each being fixed in the same manner; thus all will move in the same direction, like so many corkscrews, as we see in the Cereus tribe in windows, wound round upright sticks, Fig. 6.

Fig. 4.

Fig. 5.

Fig. 6.

As trees trained in this manner need never exceed the bounds allotted them on a border or bed, a greater number may be planted, and a greater quantity of fruit produced in a given space, than can be the case when they are trained in any other manner. Fear and apple-trees thus treated should always be on dwarf-growing stocks.

Thb Ohio Pomolooical Society's late meeting was one of great and varied interest; the proceedings, like those of New York, are to be issued in pamphlet form, and will thus be accessible to all. President A. H. Ernst delivered a very able address that will, we hope, be printed in full; it goes over a ground that the young nurseryman and amateur will do well to study and practice, that of Hybridization. He said: - "We have not come from our homes on an errand of speculation for selfish ends; the benefits of a class only. No! Our mission is one of universal philanthropy. We meet to consult on matters of comfort and good to all; to acquire a more thorough knowledge of the tree, the vine, and their fruits - the best means of improving them - to acquaint ourselves more fully with the nature of their enemies, and their modes of attack; the best means to counteract their destructive effects, and, if possible, to learn how to exterminate them. These are the objects of our mission. If we act wisely, we shall confer innumerable blessings, not only on our cotemporaries, but on millions who will never hear our names; and, as a reward, we shall have the satisfaction, when we retire from the world and leave its busy scenes, that we have done something to promote the comfort of those who shall occupy our places." * * *