ROOT OKAFTLNO. 



"Mr. ToLMAX — Knows of no objection to root-grafted trees. Could not sell budded 

 ti'oos in his vicinity ; people object to tbem on account of their sprouting from the stock. 



'•Mr. SiiAW — Most of those who have taken part in the discu.s.sion, admit that budded 

 trees bear best when young; would hko to know if they depart from their accustomed 

 ways when old ? 



" C. R. OvEKMAX — The only objection ho knows of against budded trees, is that the stocks 

 are frequently allowed to become too large befere budding ; at the point of union between 

 the bud and stock the wood becomes defective, and the tree^in consequence are short lived. 



'•Mr. Williams — "We plant trees, hoping to eat fruit. I find budded trees to bear good 

 crops six to eight years the soonest. Poo[)lo will soon learn that budded trees are earlier 

 in bearing, and nurserymen will find it to their interest to raise budded trees, though it 

 does cost more than root-grafting. 



"After some desultory discussion, moved that wo recommend budding or stock-grafting 

 a-s preferable to root-grafting, (on sections of roots) for general use. Lost by 16 to 14. 

 The subject being new to many, they did not consider themselves prepared to vote. 



"C. II. Oveiiman — "Would root-graft largely of some few varieties. 



" On motion, adjourned to half-past one o'clock, P. M." 



Now this is not a very strong expression against root-grafting even in Illinois ; on 

 the contrary, the weight of opinion is in favor of it. ^Ir. Piiffixix, whom we consider 

 one of the most observing and intelligent nurserymen in the West, thinks it too soon 

 to decide against root-grafting, and we entirely agree with him.* Mr. 0. R. Overman, 

 whose apple tree culture is probably the most extensive in the Union, " would graft 

 largely of some few varieties." This is the right spirit and the right principle. Root- 

 grafting is not applicable in all cases in any locality ; for instance, here, such feeble 

 growing sorts ae Porter^ Early Joe^ Melon, Red Canada, &c., are usually buddod on 

 strong stocks that will force up a vigorous shoot the first year ; but such as Bald- 

 toin, Northern S])^, Fall P'q^pin, Greening, Gravenstein, Fameuse, Red Astracan, 

 and all those strong, rapid growing trees, succeed well grafted on roots and make 

 large and beautiful trees for orcliards at three years' growth. 



Is there any argument in theory against root-grafting as a means of propagating ? 

 Any reasons, grounded upon vegetable physiology, why a sound, healthy scion, 

 inserted oo a young and healthy root, should not make a good tree ? We know of 

 none. Indeed, it is one of the most complete and rational modes of propagation that 

 we know of, but it must be properly performed. We are veiy well aware that there 

 are many very worthless root-grafted trees grown and sold, and so there are of budded 

 ones. Every mode of pi-opagation is abused by careless, unskilful persons ; but this 

 constitutes no argument, one way or the other. 



The tree-grower has a right to study economy in the propagation of trees, as well 

 as people in other pursuits, and root-grafting recommends itself particularly by its 

 economy. It is, or can be, performed in the leisure of winter, and thus the nursery- 

 man is enabled to employ his workmen, who would otherwise be idle, and he is ako 

 able to give his attention to the propagation of other trees in the budding season 



* Since this was written, wc have received a communication on this subject from Mr. Piicenls, which will 

 lished in our next number. 



