J 54 ^^''^ S/em— Strictures [April, 



left, nature sets about supplying the deficiency, as she does in lop- 

 ping off any part of the ascending axis. 



It is, then, by reproduction, by natural generation from seed, not 

 by propagation, that we must look to preserve plants in their vigor, 

 strength, and functuous power ; and it is by proper hibridization that 

 we may expect yet untold results — that is crossing our very best 

 fruits, and then planting the seeds from such impregnation. Plants 

 propagated by layers from generation to generation, will run out, as 

 it is familiarly termed. Even by grafting constantly from the same 

 variety, although the grafts be placed upon healthy seedling stocks, 

 the tendency without doubt is to deterioration. The sugar cane of 

 the South which has been propagated for generations by layers, does 

 not now yield, under the most favorable circumstances, as formerly, 

 doubtless from this very cause. 



The motive powers of plants are thus enfeebled. Nature's laws 

 have been repeatedly violated, and the penalty inflicted in the form 

 of a slow atrophy, scarcely perceptible at short intervals, is none the 

 less sure. 



Closely connected with this subject are the practical operations of 

 pruning, root and top ; grafting and budding, as well as those of 

 propagating from cuttings, layers, sprouts, etc., which latter have 

 been abundantly discussed above, as well as in the numerous articles 

 on Dwarf Pear Culture, pro and con, which we have recently admit- 

 ted freely to our pages. 



PRUNING. 



This is an operation that can not be properlyand successfully per- 

 formed without a knowledge of the physiology and habits of the 

 plants, whatever they be, and consequently should be executed with 

 precision and care. No common work-hand should be entrusted 

 with this operation until after working some time under instructions. 

 Indeed, no one can prune properly without some experience, or 

 placing himself under the direction, for a time, of one skilled in 

 such manipulation. If we assume that a certain amount of nour- 

 ishment is supplied by the roots to all the buds and branches of a 

 tree, by cutting off one half of the branches at the proper season, 

 we direct the whole supply of nourishment to the remaining portion, 

 which will consequently grow with nearly double their former luxu- 

 riance. When a tree is removed from one position to another, even 

 with the greatest care, you do violence to a greater or less extent to 



