72 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



Mr. Wikr — Gentlemen here lay great stress upon having the bark 

 in grafting meet. Now, I assert to the contrary. I know that the union 

 will take place, even if the separation is a quarter of an inch, and another 

 thing, it does not make any difference which end is up. 



Mr. Douglass — Does it make any difference in the planting? — 

 [laughter.] In regard to the budding, I have seen Mr. Phenix's work, 

 and can testify that the wrapping with string seems entirely satisfactory. 

 It is my practice, also. 



The President — The practice in Alton is to use cotton string, 

 waxed. 



Mr. Freeman — Woolen yarn is better than thread. 



Mr. Nelson — I used to be foolish enough to believe that if I did 

 not have the bud covered up, it would not grow. Now, I want nothing 

 better than an old sock that I can ravel out and tie up my buds. They 

 need no other covering. 



Mr. Miller — I would like to have an opinion as to the best length 

 of roots in grafting. I wish Mr. Phenix would give us some light upon 

 the subject. 



Mr. Phenix — It is rather my opinion that a section two or three 

 inches long, of a good root, is about as good as a longer root — though 

 perhaps a six inch root would give greater growth the first season under 

 favorable circumstances. The late Mr. Overman used roots about two 

 and a half inches long and would not admit that longer roots were any 

 better. 



Mr. Nelson — I have made some experiments in regard to ascertain- 

 ing what is the proper length for roots, and have settled down upon 

 two to two and a half inches. 



DISCUSSION ON PRUNING. 



Mr. Phenix — When is the best time to prune ? 



Mr. Flagg — What do you think, Mr. Phenix.' 



Mr. Phenix — I am getting into the notion that fall pruning is best. 

 September is as good a time as any ; all things considered, it is perhaps 

 the best time. 



Mr. Essex — After the leaves fall, then prune. 



Mr. Flagg — Must we wait till the leaves fall ? 



Mr. Phenix — I think, if I had my choice, i would begin to prune 

 the last of August. I know some persons who prune in February, with 



