146 GRAFTING. 
old tree with a plentiful quantity of sap, more healthy and — 
nourishing than it could get from the tree on which it grew, 
and thus for a time it is more vigorous, and produces richer 
fruit. “ As the graft is merely an extension of the parent — 
plant from which the scion came, and not properly speaking — 
a new individual, so it is found to be the best method of — 
propagating approved varieties of fruit-trees, without any 
danger of altering the quality of the fruit.” Till lately, 
grafting was confined to the ligneous plants, but it is now sue- 
cessfully practised on the roots and shoots of herbaceous ve- 
getables ; and the Dahlia is grafted by the root ; the Melon 
on the Gourd ; the Love-apple on the Potato ; the Cauli- 
flower on the Cabbage, &c. by the shoot.”—Loudon. 
