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M TOP-GRAFTS vs. EOOT-GEAFTS. 



wood — cannot be regarded as inherently objectionable or dangerous, or as exerting 

 any possible influence, other than for the time being to lessen its size or retard its 

 growth. It is only in its perversions or accidents, its newly created world of changes 

 and circumstances, that it can work injury. In the endless variety of combinations 

 produced there must be an increase of risk — ample occasion for all the ills complained 

 of as belonging especially to buds or grafts. Thus we have — 



1. The subjects, endlessly diverse in habits and preferences as to soil, climate, 

 culture, (fee. 



2. The operation, including time, manner, and results. 

 If these be taken into the account, we shall wonder not so much at the degeneracy 



as the endurance of our cultivated varieties. It is indeed maintained by some that 

 what we have gained in one direction we have lost in another — that our choicest fruits, 

 not only pomological but intellectual, have been dearly bought at a sacrifice of physical 

 vigor — as saith the old proverb, " wiser and weaker ;" a position not without consid- 

 erable show of reason. But believing it opposed to the prevailing fact, as well as the 

 hopeful theory, of "progress" — a progress not seeming and partial, but real, and, to 

 some extent, proportionate — we must reject it while allowing, and otherwise explaining, 

 the facts from which it springs. To say that culture and improvem.ent pertain not to 

 the entire range of human eftbrt — as well to the physical as the intellectual — as well 

 to the tree as the fruit — or to both as well as either alone — is manifestly absurd. We 

 believe there are, in all directions, vast unexplored fields of profitable research and 

 glorious accomplishment — untold stores of rich, new, noble inventires and prizes. At 

 the same time it is evident that our efforts at cultivation and improvement have been, 

 in many instances, partial, and in others, entirely misguided, producing certain baneful 

 tendencies and results which are too obvious to be disregarded. These, whatever may 

 be our theory, let each be sure to oppose and to the extent of his ability. 

 In discussing this subject, we shall endeavor to prove — 



1. That the seedling \%,physicalhj, the more pejfect tree. Theoretically/, because of 

 its unity and entireness, simplicity and naturalness throughout, in both origin and 

 development, roots, top, growth, and product. Nature, in any given process, is perfect. 

 Practically, because the wood of seedlings is firmer, bark tougher, and wounds made 

 on them heal more readily ; they are generally more productive and hardy, and accom- 

 modate themselves best to different soils and climates. Therefore — 



2. Though grafting is indispensable, yet that grafting, other things being equal, will 

 be best which employs most of the seedling stock. 



These positions we shall not discuss separately or in regular order ; nor is it, per- 

 haps, necessary, for we doubt if any one conversant with the subject would feel inclined 

 to question them. In fact the general impression, with regard at least to the hardi- 

 hood of seedlings, has seemed to be that they were quite too tough, most unnecessarily 

 and inconveniently thorny and rugged ! 



The ultimate issue no doubt is between seeds and buds — the rough, hardy product 

 of the one, and the smooth, tender, rapid growth of the other — which affords the best 

 foundation, or vital centers, to work from 



