276 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL 



ble. The importance of thus bringing out new apples and test- 

 ing early, is a matter of importance which the Horticultural So- 

 cieties at present realize more than ever, and have already begun 

 a more systematic work in this direction. 



DISCUSSION. 



Mr. Gaston — This is a wonderfully important and interesting 

 question, and one that should be carefully investigated. Whether 

 the top makes the root or the root the top is a matter of contro- 

 versy. I claim that the top makes the root. 



Prof. Burrill — If this proposition, that every tree is a distinct 

 individual and has a life race to run, and then deteriorate and die, 

 is correct, we certainly should know it, as any effort to restore 

 these decaying trees, will be useless. Mr. Knight, a horticultural 

 writer of a hundred years ago, proclaimed this same doctrine, 

 and named the Kibstone Pippin as an apple that had run 

 its race; but the fact that this variety is cultivated to-day 

 spoils his theory. Yet I think there may be something in 

 it. Certain varieties of potatoes and other vegetables seem 

 to prove it. Have these individuals fullfilled their destiny? 

 Some of our German scientists tel^ us there is no such 

 thing as bud variation. If this be true, when we get a 

 strawberry or other plant established, it remains the same 

 indefinitely. Oar careless method of selecting potatoes and 

 other seeds has a tendency to make the varieties deterio- 

 rate. 



Mr. Periam — That there is such a thing as "heredity" in vege- 

 table as well as animal life, few will question, hence the import- 

 ance of healthy, vigorous parentage. This question of bud vari- 

 ation is one of exceeding importance, and should be better un- 

 derstood. 



SMALL FRUIT FOR THE FAMILY. 



BY D. H. GRAY, ELMWOOD. 



As Mr. Gray failed to furnish a copy of his interesting address, 

 the Secretary can only give the following synopsis : 



As I understand this question it refers to the growth of small 

 fruits by the family as well as for the family, and the children 

 take as much pleasure in watching its growth and development, 



