160 ANNUAL REPORT. | j “, 
ed, do not appear to suffer by removal. As instances in confirma- 
tion of this view may be cited the introduction of the Fameuse from 
Canada, Red Astrachan, Duchess, Alexander, and the Currant crab 
from Northern and Northeastern Europe. The discovery of these 
important facts may be considered as the first tending to the dis- 
covery of other important facts necessary for the advancement and 
success of horticulture in the Northwest. 3 alertal 
Horticulturists having ascertained one of the causes of failure, are 
led to the inevitable conclusion, that other causes of failure must, 
also exist, the most prominent of which are believed to be frequent 
and sudden alternation of freezing and thawing, when the ground. 
is surcharged with moisture. causing the separation of the bark from 
the wood structure of the roots, or the disruption of imperfect cel- 
lular formation in the roots, in consequence of late and unperfected 
autumn wood growth; or the cellular formation, be the same perfect 
or imperfect, may be injured by the sudden withdrawal of frost in 
early winter, mid winter, or early spring, when the earth is devoid 
of moisture ; in this instance the interstices existing in the soil about 
the roots being filled with air, the withdrawal of frost has the same 
tendency to injure the cellular formation, as would result if the 
roots were above ground at the time of the withdrawal of frost. In- 
jury may also result from an excess of exhalation of moisture, in- 
duced by cold, dry winds, when the extremities of the roots of the 
trees are encased in frost. Or strong winds may sway small trees 
from an upright position, and thereby produce a cavity in the soil 
at and below the collar of the tree, liable to be filled with water by 
rain fall. Subsequent lowering of temperature cause congelation 
and expansion and thereby burst the bark at or below the collar. 
Injuries also result from the active circulation of sap in the south 
and southwest portions of the stem of the tree, induced by the ab- 
sorption of heat from the sun’s rays, and the arrest of circulation 
and expansion of sap, and rupture of the cells in consequence of con- 
gelation by subsequent freezing. 
Having ascertained and enumerated some of the causes which 
produce disastrous and often fatal results to vegetable life, we may 
take into consideration propositions of what will probably be the 
most appropriate, effective and practical means for adoption as a 
preventative against the recurrence of the many causes that have 
produced such disastrous results. And as a combination of causes 
seem to produce results that have a tendency to impair vegetable 
life, it is also to be presumed that a combination of preventative 
measures are required to counteract or obviate the causes that re- 
sult in injury. Hence the following propositions are adduced : 
ist. The introduction of varieties originated in similar soils and 
subjected to similar climatic conditions prevailing in the locality in 
which they are to be planted. 2d. Originating varieties adapted 
to our climatic conditions, by repeated | reproduction from seed. 
3d. Originating varieties by hybridizing, using the Siberian Crab 
and some of the best and most promising varieties of apples as 
parents. 4th. Winter mulching. 5th. Amelioration of the se- 
verity of climatic influences, by the aid of individual, corporate 
and State efforts, in enlarging the forest area, by forest tree plant- 
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