STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 123 



ROOT GRAFTED OR STOCK GRAFTED TREES. 



On this subject we have at times had some random discussion ; but it can hardly be 

 said that it has received a critical consideration. It 1b claimed that stock grafted trees 



are more productive ; the only foundation for such a theory being a dissimilarity between 

 stock and graft. The stock is merely the conductor through which the crude sap passes 

 from the root to the branches. And, it is trne that a dissimilarity between stock and 

 graft often retards circulation ; and whatever retards circulation, favors the formation of 

 fruit buds. But, in our stock grafted apple trees, there being DO specific dissimilarity, 

 (as between pear and quince) no very marked results should be expected. Nevertheless, 

 it must be granted, there does exist some degree of dissimilarity in the woody fibre of 

 different varieties ; and it cannot be doubted that this slight degree of dissimilarity, in 

 some cases retards circulation. Hence, it is bnt a legitimate conclusion that the stock 

 grafted tree may, in some cases, be more productive. But if there is a dissimilarity 

 between stock and graft, there must also exist alike dissimilarity among the different 

 varieties we cultivate ; and from this reason alone, no uniform advantage can be derived 

 from stock grafting as a general practice. Then again, there is also a like dissimilarity 

 between seedling stocks — in a lot of seedlings no two are alike, and there must be a 

 corresponding variation in the effects. Thus we see the advantages of stock grafting as 

 u practice, is rendered still more complicated and uncertain. 



But still, we can admit the probability that some of our cultivated varieties may be so 

 peculiarly distinct in woody fiber, that, as a general rule, when grafted or budded on 

 other stocks, the circulation may be more or less retarded, and hence, result in a greater 

 tendency 7 to productiveness. 



Thus, the conclusions to which we arrive is, 1st, that the only advantages that can 

 result from stock grafting, must be from a dissimilarity of stock ; 2d, that no uniform 

 advantage can be effected, except by using a uniform kind of stocks with each variety wc 

 BO cultivate. Hence, if we would give this subject a fair trial, let our shy bearers be 

 tried on different varieties of root grafted stocks. Let us have experiments that will 

 lead to different results. 



OUR SELECT LISTS OF APPLES. 



flow phall we expect improvement? It cannot be supposed we have yet arrived at 

 the ultimate of improvement. True, we can get up a list for Autumn, and for Early 

 and Mid- Winter with which we are tolerably well suited. But we would like some 

 Improvement in our Early Summer apples. We would like something as early as Early 

 Harvest, on such a tree as Ben Davis, and as good in quality and as productive as the 

 Benoni. And we are far from lieing suited with our list of Keeper*. Can we name a 

 Je keeper that Is free from objections ? Janet and Wine Sap are too small; White 

 Winter Pearmain sc»bs ; Ben Davis has every qualification except quality ; Willow Twig 

 is only a good cooking apple, and so on through the list. We want an apple equal to 

 Yellow Bellflower or Roman Stem in quality, with the productiveness and keeping 

 qualities of the Willow Twig. 



For improvement in our list of Keepers, let us experiment with Southern apples. 

 We hardly need expect that a Northern climate will originate a good keeper, adapted 

 to the wants of the Valley of the Mississippi. Where the seasons are short, nature 

 produces fruit, having a short period from, the blossom to the maturity of the fruit. 



