APPLES. 339 



done in autumn or winter, the branch being tongued or notched at a joint about half 

 way through, and that part buried and secured 4 inches beneath the surface, with a 

 tout peg. The autumn following, the layer may be detached and transplanted. 

 Layering is shown on page 105, Fig. 18, D. 



Suckers. Occasionally, these spring from the roots of a seedling tree, and are taken 

 advantage of as a means of obtaining young trees. These suffer more or less in removal, 

 but with care may be moved safely. Like the parent, they are subject to throw up 

 suckers ; therefore, all buds on the underground stem should be cut clean out. The 

 practice of relying on suckers for stocks is not a commendable one, as they are always 

 liable to push growth from the roots. 



Budding. This mode has, to a great extent, superseded grafting. It is characterised 

 by finer growths, and the operation is more expeditiously and conveniently performed. 

 July and August are the usual months of budding apples, in performing which particu- 

 lars are given at page 115. 



Grafting. -As this has been fully treated on page 120, it is only necessary to 

 remark that tongue or whip grafting (page 123, Fig. 20) is the most eligible for young 

 stocks, and rind or crown grafting (page 133, Fig. 22, (f) for large stocks and old 

 trees. Information as regards time of operating and heading stocks will be found 

 on pages 120 and 121, and treatment of scions on page 121. 



Inarching. Yery seldom is this method practised. It may be useful in trans- 

 ferring a weakly tree or branch to a stronger stock, with a view to more vigour and 



finer fruit. 



STOCKS. 



Crab stocks are employed for standard, half-standard, and every description of 

 trained tree; also for dwarfs not to be subjected to the restrictive, close priming, 

 lifting system. The chief merit of the Crab stock consists in its hardiness, and its 

 principal adaptability is to elevated, exposed, cold situations, also negligent culture. 

 Many so called Crab stocks are raised from the pips of cider apples, and vary some- 

 what in hardiness and character. They are known as Free stocks, and express their 

 own fitness, namely, for apple trees or standards and half-standards in good natural 

 or properly-prepared soil, in suitable natural or artificially sheltered situations. They 

 are also suitable for pyramids, bushes, and all trained trees subject to the conditions 



indicated. 



Paradise stocks are the best possible kinds for trees grown on the dwarfing plan. If 



