HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 173 



species in the production of varieties and in their subsequent ex- 

 tension by propagation, we must follow the line of affinities in 

 the selection of stocks on which to propagate. K"o human skill 

 will ever succeed in causing a peach tree to grow on an apple 

 stock. 



Nearly related species of a genus, as the pear, apple, quince, 

 or hawthorn, or, as the peach, plum, apricot, and other stone 

 fruits, can be used as stock — the one for the other — but far bet- 

 ter results may always be expected from the pear on pear, apple 

 on apple, peach on peach. 



With the propagation of varieties comes the care and culture 

 of the young and tender plants. This is the work of the nur- 

 seryman. His skill consists in the care, culture and training 

 of the plant or tree to that age and strength of constitution fit- 

 ting it for transplanting into the orchard, the garden, the forest 

 or the pleasure ground. 



After the propagation of one tree or plant, comes the most 

 dangerous and critical period through which our favorite is des- 

 tined to pass, the transplanting of it from the nursery to the per- 

 manent grounds. Great skill and an intelligent understanding 

 of the wants and habits of the tree or plant are here required 

 if we would obtain satisfactory results. But our cares do not 

 €nd here. Much will depend upon our judgment and wisdom in 

 the selection and preparation of our grounds, and in the after- 

 care and attention bestowed both upon the soil and its occu- 

 pants. 



The related sciences, always valuable auxiliaries, will now be 

 most potent aids, for a practical knowledge of geology and bot- 

 any will aid us in laying a good foundation — the one in the se- 

 lection of soils, the other in determining the species adapted. A 

 study of meteorology and zoology will guide us in providing 

 against the vicissitudes of our climate, and in warding off the 

 attacks of insects and other animal pests. Some scientific as 

 well as practical knowledge of vegetable physiology and the 

 laws of plant growth, will enable us to prune and train intelli- 

 gently. Pruning should be disciplinary or curative, disciplin- 

 ary in guiding the young tree or plant in the way it should go; 

 curative in removing dead, maimed or diseased parts. In either 

 case, as with the skillful surgeon, the highest aim should be the 

 shedding of the least possible blood. Quack horticulturists and 

 quack surgeons often make serious work by the too free use of 

 the knife. 



