134 THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. [June, 



stocks. Now, I observe that cultivated apple and pear trees are of stronger 

 growth than wild ones ; at least, crab trees are seldom so large as apple trees of 

 the orchard. This confirms what I have said as to the tops of trees having 

 much influence on the extension of the roots — a proposition which, though it 

 may be new to some persons, is strictly true. 



In the case of the grafted trees, possibly they derive more nutriment from the 

 influence of the sun upon their leaves. The same is to be said of seedlings or 

 ungrafted kinds, the growth of which varies according to their peculiar habits, 

 and continues to do so after they are grafted for increase upon stocks which 

 are raised from pips or seeds of apples and pears. Those having small leaves 

 and spines — or thorns, come nearest to the crabs and pears of the hedgerows ; 

 while the free-bearing sorts of both kinds are generally of dwarfer habit than 

 the less fruitful ones. The Hawthornden Apple and Gansel's Bergamot Pear 

 are good examples of this. Some think that grafting the less fruitful kinds 

 upon the tops or branches of the "free-bearing" ones will tend to greater 

 fruitfulness. I have tried the plan myself, but with little or no success. Indeed, 

 it could not well have been otherwise, for grafting does not alter the original 

 virtue of the bark or rind of the adopted branches, while these have their proper 

 nutriment from the influence of the sun upon the leaves, as already named ; and 

 it is on the peculiarities of texture in these that the varieties of the fruit depend, 

 though the quality may vary according to their state of health. 



Although I have made the above remarks on apple and pear stocks, and am 

 well aware that they are the best for practical use, yet I repeat that success 

 depends more on the natural or peculiar habits of the grafts, than on that of the 

 stocks. J. Wighton. 



AILANTUS SILKWORMS. 



HE Ailantus Silkworm (Bomhi/x Cynthia), like the Yama-mai oak variety, is 

 a native of Japan, and is deserving the attention of silkworm-rearers in 

 general. "Whether for profit or amusement, it is an interesting insect. 

 Although the cocoons are not easily reeled, still there is a sale open for 

 them, for they are used for producing spun silk, which is very durable and strong. 

 The amateur will certainly be pleased, if his only reward be the obtaining of 

 specimens of the very beautiful moths. 



Ailantus Silkworms are easy to rear, being so hardy as to succeed in the open 

 air ; but I think the best plan to follow in order to rear a few as an amusement, 

 would be to do it on Ailantus plants in an airy room. The plants could be planted 

 in large pots or tubs. This year, I dare say, the eggs will hatch early. Some 

 method of protection seems desirable other than that of putting the young larvae 

 into muslin bags, which is only practicable with a small quantity. Last year I 

 sent eggs and young worms through the post into various districts for trial ; but 

 the great heat, I believe, was disastrous, killing not only this variety of silkworms, 



