448 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



strictly artificial modes, such as budding and grafting, if we would 

 enjoy a continuation of a desirable variety ; and there are still others 

 which require even greater skill and ingenuity, with appliances and 

 fixtures rendering their propagation critical and expensive. 



But nature has placed bounds and limits, beyond which we cannot 

 go. While we may materiallv change the habits of a species in the 

 production of varieties and in their subsequent extension by propaga- 

 tion, we must follow the line of affinities in the selection of stocks on 

 which to propagate. No human skill will ever succeed in causing a 

 peach tree to grow on an apple stock. 



Nearly related species of a genus, as the pear, apple, quince, or 

 hawthorne, or, as the peach, plum, apricot, and other stone fruits, can 

 be used as stocks — the one for the other — but far better results may 

 always be expected trom the pear on pear, apple on apple, peach on 

 peach. 



With the propagation of varieties comes the care and culture of the 

 young and tender plants. This is the work of the nurseryman. His 

 skill consists in the care, culture and training of the plant or tree ta 

 that age and strength of constitution fitting it for transplanting into 

 the orchard, the garden, the forest or the pleasure grounds. 



Perhaps the most dangerous and critical period through which our 

 favorite is destined to pass, is the transplanting from the nursery to 

 the permanent grounds. Great skill and an intelligent understanding 

 of the wants and habits of the tree or plant are here required if we 

 would obtain satisfactory results. But our cares do n(^t end here. 

 Much will depend upon our judgment and wisdom in the selection 

 and preparation of our grounds, and in the after-care and attention 

 bestowed both upon the soil and its occupants. A practical knowledge 

 of geology and botany will aid us in laying a good foundation — the 

 one in the selection of soils, the other in determining the species- 

 adapted. A study of meteorolgy and zoology will guide us in provid- 

 ing against the vicissitudes of our climate, and in warding off the at- 

 tacks of insects and other animal pests. 



Pruning should be disciplinary or curative : disciplinary in guiding 

 the young tree or plant in the way it should go ; curative in removing 

 dead, maimed or diseased parts. In either case, as with the skillful 

 surgeon, the highest aim should be the spilling of the least possible 

 blood. Quack horticulturists and quack surgeons often make serious 

 work by the too free use of the knife. 



In esthetic horticulture the reward of our labors is in the pleas- 

 urable enjoyment we feel in its results. Our pleasure is proportioned 

 to the degree of culture we enjoy. We designate those who follow 

 horticultural pursuits from this standpoint as amateurs. 



