THE STRINGFELLOW METHOD 249 



In all these trees, except the Myrobalan plum 

 roots, the short -root pruning was a decided dis- 

 advantage. Yet there is no contradicting the fact 

 that others have obtained good results from it, 

 and it has been put to a successful commercial 

 test. All this shows, as has been said (page 238), 

 that stub -root pruning is to be considered a mat- 

 ter of local practice, not a matter of general 

 principle. The practice may be good and it may 

 not : the explanation or assumed theory is wrong. 

 It will probably be found to be best adapted to 

 the South, where plants grow from cuttings more 

 readily than in the North ; and the nature of the 

 land as respects texture, and the nearness of the 

 water-table, will probably influence the result. 

 The kind of tree may also be important. The 

 stubbing -back of the top is a disadvantage to 

 those who desire to grow long -bodied trees. 



It is always well to challenge established prac- 

 tices and accepted theories, for thereby we make 

 progress. In this respect, Mr. Stringfellow and 

 his followers have no doubt done a distinct ser- 

 vice.* Perhaps we have placed too great value on 

 a large root -system when transplanting trees, and 



*Aside from its merits as a matter of pruning, Mr. Stringfellow sees 

 the following advantages of stub-roots: (l) Saving the nurseryman in 

 digging his stock; (2) Saving in packing the stock; (3) Saving in trans- 

 portation; (4) Saving in planting; (5) Reducing danger of carrying in- 

 sects and diseases; (6) Enables the planter to set extra large trees, which 

 the nurseryman now has to throw away, and thus obtain fruit much 

 sooner. 



