vit STOCKS 125 
recommends trimming the roots of standard stocks, 
before planting, with a bill! 
The greatest number of stocks, and the finest to 
look at, will be found on heavy land, but, as a rule 
not without exceptions, those on lighter land will have 
more numerous and fibrous roots. The stocks will 
be either rooted suckers from the main stool, or, if 
young enough, the actual plant itself with the stout 
principal root of the seedling briar. In either case, 
as little as possible should be reserved of the under- 
ground stem ormain root, consistent with the preserva- 
tion of some fibres; for it is these latter, with many 
others which form in the spring, that will support 
the new growth of the plant: the thick main roots 
and underground stems will only throw up suckers 
if they live, and if they die are likely to harbour 
fungus which is hurtful to the living fibres. If 
planted early enough, say before Christmas, the 
stock will grow well enough in most cases without 
any fibres: it will be sufficient to leave about three 
inches of clean root, squarely and smoothly cut at 
the end. 
In many localities the hedgebanks are the only 
available places, where the stocks are difficult to get 
at, and naturally have roots only on one side, and 
often fantastically curled about. Briars growing in 
the open undergrowth of a wood, or in any rough 
half-uncultivated level space, are much easier to get 
at, and probably have a more even spread of roots. 
When going along hedgerows, I lay the stocks out 
as I get them on the edge of the ditch with the 
roots covered with wet leaves and grass, and collect 
them as I come back. I then cut an elm sucker as 
a withe and make a little faggot, which, regardless 
