295 



circumstances, that it can work injury. In the endless variety of combi- 

 nations produced, there must be an increase of risk — ample occasion for 

 all the ills complained of as belonging especially to buds or grafts. Thus 

 we have : 1st. The subjects, endlessly diverse in habits and preferences 

 as to soils, climates, culture, &c. 2d. The operation, including time, 

 manner and results. If these be taken into the account, we shall wonder 

 not so much at the degeneracy as at the endurance of our improved vari- 

 eties. It is indeed maintained by some, that what we have gained in one 

 direction we have lost in another — that our choicest fruits, not only pomo- 

 logical, but intellectual, have been dearly bought at a sacrifice of physi- 

 cal vigor — " wiser and weaker," as saith the old proverb. This is a posi- 

 tion not taken without considerable show of reason, but believing it oppo- 

 sed to the prevailing fact, as well as to the hopeful theory of "Progress" 

 — a progress not seeming and partial, but real, and to some extent pro- 

 portionate, we must reject it, while allowing, and otherwise explaining 

 the facts from which it springs. To say that culture and improvement 

 pertain not to the entire range of human effort, as well to the physical as 

 the intellectual, as well to the tree as the fruit, is manifestly absurd — 

 though, at the same time it is evident this culture and improvement have 

 been in many instances partially and unwisely bestowed. 



Whatever may be our theory, certain baneful tendencies and results 

 are too obvious to be disregarded — let each then but oppose in his own 

 way and to the best of his ability. 



In discussing this subject we shall endeavor to prove, 



1st. That the seedling is physically the more perfect tree ; theoreti- 

 cally, because of its unity and entireness, simplicity and naturalness 

 throughout, in both origin and developement, roots, tops, growth and 

 product. Nature in any given process is perfect. Practically, because 

 the wood of seedlings is firmer, bark tougher, and wounds made on 

 ■ them heal more readily ; they are generally more productive and hardy, 

 and accommodate themselves best to different soils and climates. There- 

 fore, 



2d. Though grafting is indispensible, yet that that grafting, other 

 things being equal, will be best, which employs most of the seedling 

 stock. 



These positions we shall not discuss separately, nor is it perhaps neces- 

 sary, for we doubt if any one conversant with the subject would feel in- 

 clined to question them ; in fact, with regard to hardihood the general 



