SECRETARY'S REPORT. 233 



warding- all liis care. If they be neglected, little- satisfaction may- 

 be confidently anticipated. One tree well cared for will give more 

 satisfaction than a hundred neglected. 



The principal advantages of trees on the quince over those on 

 the pear are : 



First — They can be transplanted with greater ease, and of larger 

 size, and loiih almost certainty of their living. 



Second — They come earlier into bearing, often the next year after 

 planting, and usually within two or three years, while on the pear 

 it often takes five, ten or fifteen years. 



Third— They are more within reach and easy control; afford 

 greater facilities for pruning, thinning out and gathering of fruit, 

 together with less liability of its being blown off by high winds. 



The facility with which the pear throws out roots of its own, 

 when trees on the quince root are planted, varies considerably 

 with different varieties. Some do it readily, (never, however, un- 

 less planted at the proper depth,) while others seem little inclined 

 to do so. Generally, those which seem to be not very well suited 

 with the quince, as a feeder, do so most easily. 



Such rooting can be hastened and greatly facilitated by the fol- 

 lowing method. After the tree has had several years' growth 

 and is well established, remove the earth from around the trunk, 

 and with a small sharp gouge cut upward from the point of union, 

 where the pear is usually somewhat swollen, and partially detach 

 several strips, consisting of the bark and about a quarter of an inch 

 in depth (in the center of each) of wood, and about two inches in 

 length, leaving each attached at its tipper part. Draw the bottom 

 of the strips a little from the trunk, and place a little fine earth 

 between, so as to prevent adhesion ; then replace the earth 

 about the tree. The operation should be performed a little before 

 midsummer, and as the descending sap is thus obstructed, it soon 

 forms granulations upon the portion thus parted, and from these 

 roots are thrown out into the soil. It is easier done with a gouge 

 prepared for the purpose by being bent about three inches from 

 the cutting edge. 



When rooting is thus effected, we secure the benefit of both pear 

 and quince roots as feeders of the tree, and combine early fruiting 

 and the other advantages of the quince with the longevity of the 

 pear. Upon such varieties as are decidedly better upon the quince 

 it is not advisable, but in many cases it is a great gain. 



