17 



STOCKS. 



As knowledge is acquired and interest in fruit growing iff 

 aroused and orchards planted, the question of stocks will as in 

 other countries force itself to the front as one of the most 

 important questions confronting the planters. 



For several years after our establishment here it was a question 

 (except with the very few) which never appeared to be considered 

 at all, so long as the tree was a Peach, Pear, Plum or Apple, it 

 would fill every requirement of the purchaser ; however, we have 

 lately found considerable interest being taken in this important 

 question, mainly due we consider to the teachings of the 

 Government Experts, who have invariably forced this important 

 question to the front and also through the more intelligent planter 

 having made enquiry into the reasons why some of his trees are 

 not growing satisfactorily. 



As a Nurseryman we have also tried to impress on Planters the 

 importance of this (vide catalogues published in 1893, '94, '95), 

 however until lately practically without result. 



Planters must realize that in ordering their trees they should 

 expressly stipulate for the trees to be on the stock which is best 

 suited to their soil ; so much depends on this. At the same time 

 they must bear in mind that there may be technical considerations 

 which go against what otherwise should be a sound choice of 

 stock. We refer to the fact that some fruits don't thrive on roots 

 that they apparently should thrive on. 



As we are now frequently asked our opinion re stocks we think 

 it will assist planters to enter into the matter at some length, 

 bringing forward the result of a careful study for some years and 

 showing how from time to time we have narrowed up our list of 

 stocks. 



Apples. There are practically three classes of stocks known to- 

 trade : 



(1) Malus communis (common apple), which should be the 

 seedlings grown from selected apples as pressed out at 

 the cider mill or at the dryng sheds. 



(2) Paradise (malus paradisica), which is the usual dwarfing 



stock used by planters. 



(3) Blight proof stocks which are generally of the Northern 



Spy or Winter Majetin variety and are resistant against, 

 the woolly aphis or American, Blight. 



The common apple is the stock generally used ; it is healthy and 

 free growing, without any dwarfing tendency, and makes in every 

 way a sound healthy tree ; its most dangerous enemy being the 

 woolly aphis. All varieties do so far as we know, equally well on 

 this stock. 



