ART OF PRODUCING DWARF TREES.

Northland Age, Volume IV, Issue 48, 20 July 1908, Page 8

ART OF PRODUCING DWARF TREES.

■ The October "Windsor” contains an interesting article on "The Dwarftree Cußure of Japan,” with many illustrations. Dwarf trees are, we learn, produced from seeds, or—in cases where this is not practicable—from carefully selected cuttings. When the young plant begins to grow it is tended with ceaseless care, and from the commencement of its career its natural tendencies are subjugated to the will of its master. Each twig each leaf, as it makes its appearance, become the object of the closest scrutiny. Shall it be permitted to grow, and if so, in what direction ? May it not be advisable to cut it away altogether and encourage growth elsewhere ? These and a dozen similar questions occupy the mind of the Japanese artist, Mid upon their correct solution depends the ultimate value of the tree. YEARS OF LABOUR. The artist has at his disposal several centuries of transmitted experience. To this he adds an infinite capacity for taking pains. He cuts and prunes his subject, often mercilessly but always with infinite care and forethought. At times, with bass or wire, he draws a wayward twig into its ordained position ; then, after two or three years, when the trend of the branch is fully established, the bonds are cut away qgain. From time to time, too, the tree is carefully repotted, and on occasions its roots are subjected to a careful examination. Indeed, in their turn, they receive as much attention as do the branches. Everything is done, in fact, to concentrate the life qf the tree, within the narrowest possible limits. And at last, after years of unremitting labour, the tree begins to respond to the touch of its master. DOCTORING PIGMY TREES IN ENGLAND. *Many of the choicest and most ancient dwarf trees have of recent years been brought from Japan to England and are now in possession of private collectors, or else are qn view at one of the London establishments, where these living curiosities are "stocked for sale.” Moreover, purchasers of the trees are usually informed that their specimens may at any time be sent to "hospital” at a small monthly cost ; and this provision is very necessary, seeing that the life of a valuable dwarf tree, which for some reason may have become sickly, may often be saved by a little timely treatment at the hands of an expert. Indeed, the hospital branch of the dwarf-tree business is so important that a few years ago an enterprising firm actually fetched Segiro Takagi perhaps the most distinguished dwarftree trainer now alive, from far Japan, and installed him as reigning spirit in the nursery at Acton.