48 Peach-Growing 



STOCKS 



Peaches are most commonly propagated on their own 

 roots, that is, on peach seedlings, and under most condi- 

 tions this is probably the best method. However, in some 

 regions, particularly in California, other stocks have been 

 used to some extent, it being claimed that the hard-shelled 

 almond produces a hardier, stronger tree, especially for 

 growing where the soil is very light and dry, than when prop- 

 agated on peach stocks. Formerly St. Julian and Myro- 

 balan plum stocks were used to some extent in California. 

 They were supposed to be better than peach stocks for 

 planting on soil that was excessively moist. However, the 

 peach top is likely to over-grow the plum root and to develop 

 a weakness at the point of union. For this and possibly 

 other reasons, plum stocks are not now much recommended. 



Recently still another species has been receiving favorable 

 comment as a stock for peaches and some other stone-fruits. 

 This is the "wild peach of China" {Primus or Amygdalus 

 Davidiana), seed of which in some quantity was introduced 

 into the United States from China in 1907 by the Federal 

 Department of Agriculture, although it was grown in this 

 country before that date. The following note relates to 

 the behavior of the plant at the" Michigan Agricultural Col- 

 lege in the winter of 1887-1888 : " Primus Bavidiana endured 

 the winter without injury so far as the wood was concerned, 

 but the flower-buds, of which there were many, were all 

 killed. A plant wintered in a shed blossomed profusely 

 April 28th, a very early date this season. If the tree had 

 been out of doors, where it must have bloomed earlier, the 

 flowers would have been nipped by frost. All the flowers 

 on the tree in question were imperfect, the pistils being 



