TO June, 1911-] 



Propagation of Fruit Trees. 



367 



Stooling. — This method is somewhat similar to that of layering, but 

 instead of pegging down the unrooted shoots they are cut hard back each 

 year, so as to encourage as many as possible to show out. The second 

 season from planting, and after the shoots have been cut back to within 

 an inch or so of the stool, mould lightly and again in November or Decem- 

 ber. If the shoots do not root, this moulding will cause them to become 

 bleached close to the crown of the stool. Upon being hardened back, 

 shoots that give the best results, will be formed. When removing rooted 

 shoots in the winter, leave any that are very small for the following year ; 

 also any that are weak and spindly. Notice illustration showing rooted 

 shoots (now stocks) cut from stool. (Fig. 14). 



13. ESTABLISHED STOOL CARRYING 

 ROOTED STOCKS. 



14- 



ROOTED STOCKS CUT 

 FROM STOOL. 



The cooler and moister districts are the best adapted for the raising of 

 Spy stocks by these two methods (layering and stooling), as the rooting 

 of the shoots is controlled by even moisture during late summer and early 

 autumn. From healthy, old, and well-established stools, and those putting 

 up medium and not over-strong shoots, the best results are obtained. The 

 writer advises that layering and stooling should be worked conjointly. 



When planting, select a permanent site in the nursery, and one where the 

 layers or stools will not be interfered with. Keep the beds free from 

 weeds and well cultivated. With healthy and well-established stools 

 no manure is required, the aim of the propagator being to encourage 

 meilium and nr>t rank growths. ^-ight or sandy loam should be u.sed for 

 moulding purposes. The illustration on this page .shows a stool that took 

 four years to establish. For twelve years it has produced aiuuially an 

 average of 95 per cent, of well -rooted .shoots or slocks. When photo- 

 graphed, it had twelxe rcnjted shoots. 



