now TO rUODCCE PEA.K BOOTING. 143 



This fact has tended to confirm horticulturists in 

 the belief in the necesity of an adaptation of the 

 graft to the stock. If this theory is correct, what 

 roots can be better adaj>tcd to the demands of the 

 graft than those put forth by the graft itseht'. From 

 these facts, it may be seen that if any pear-grower is 

 deficient in faith in the durability of quince stocks, 

 he can insure the longevity of his trees by planting 

 them sufficiently deep to produce pear roots. 



HOW TO PKODUCE PE^\.K ROOTIXG. 



Wlien the leaves ripen in early September, the sap 

 has assumed that albuminous and ripened condition 

 which fits it for forming new spongioles and root- 

 lets. If, prior to this condition, several incisions are 

 made in the pear bark and wood, just at the swell- 

 ing of the graft, by pushing a small gouge upwards, 

 so as to form tongues or strips an inch long, hang- 

 ing by their npper ends ; the sap, checked in its 

 downward flow, will soon cover the incision with 

 a soft, white, albuminous substance, which, if well 

 covered with firmly packed earth, will soon form root- 

 lets, that, before the ensuing winter, will be in a 

 vigorous condition. It is well to place a small pebble 

 between the tongue and trunk to prevent adhesion. 

 The production of these roots is due to the same influ- 

 ence which causes the union of the bud with tlio 

 stock when inserted at the same season. Tlie sap, in 

 its downward flow, depositing the mucus that would 

 have hardened into bark and wood, is, by the check, 

 diverted to the formation of rootlets and fibres which 

 will, the next year, provide food for growth or fruit. 



