128 STATE TOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



are most allied, will amalgamate most naturally with each other. Varieties of 

 the same species unite most freely,, then species of the same genus, then genera 

 of the same natural order; beyond this, amalgamation is very rare. 



Tear grafted upon pear retains its original Bhape of tree and fruit, but the 

 flavor and keeping qualities are somewhat influenced by the root; while putting 

 pear upon quince diminishes very materially the size of the tree, without chang- 

 ing to any extent, the size or quality of the fruit. Pears will grow for a few 

 years on apple or thorn roots, but are short lived, because their natures are so 

 unlike. 



A successful orchardist must possess some knowledge of the nature of the 

 varieties he wishes to propagate. A Canada Red is improved in size of fruit 

 and strength of tree, by grafting on a Northern Spy stock, while the Spy is a 

 failure on a Sweet Bough. A strong growing stock has considerable influence 

 upon light growing grafts. A Spitzenburg grown upon a Pumpkin Sweet, in 

 many instances, entirely loses its identity. A very tart variety is somewhat 

 modified in flavor by growing upon a sweet stock, and vice versa. 



Since there is a great diversity of opinion in regard to pruning, I will offer 

 only a few suggestions on this most important subject. Many intelligent per- 

 sons to this day object to pruning trees to much extent, claiming that Nature 

 should be allowed to take her own course, unmolested by the hand of man ; 

 while others are ardent advocates of frequent and very heavy pruning of certain 

 varieties. Believing that success is more frequently attained, in the majority of 

 cases, by taking medium ground, I will recommend only a limited amount of 

 trimming. 



Apple trees should form their heads about five or six feet from the ground; 

 if much lower than this, the under branches will be in the way of cultivating 

 the ground ; if much higher, the trunk will be unnecessarily exposed to extreme 

 cold and heavy winds. Great care should be taken in forming the heads of 

 young trees, as a few moments of time with a sharp knife, will accomplish what 

 it is impossible to do years later, by hours of hard labor with the saw, ax. and 

 chisel. The beauty of a tree depends largely upon the care it receives in its in- 

 fancy. If trees have a dense top and do not produce fruit abundantly, prune 

 heavily in the spring or late in the winter; but should their fault be overbear- 

 ing, trim lightly in June. 



Cherry trees need but little pruning, except to form their heads; while peach 

 trees frequently produce a better quality and a greater amount of fruit, by cut- 

 ting away a large portion of the previous year's growth. 



The tendency of the pear stock is largely upward, consequently the primer's 

 intention should be to keep the top open and well spread. 



In conclusion, let me urge the necessity for an intelligent application of the 

 principles of pruning and grafting, by which unsightly, worthless orchards may 

 be converted into beautiful ornaments for our homes, producing fruits that may 

 rival the famous '•'golden apples of the Hesperides." 



