of Engrafted Fruit Trees. 59 



even to raise up the roots, and thus to multiply our sources of comfort 

 and pleasure. This, however, does not imply that the multiplication 

 of the same variety, for it is no more, should last forever, unless the 

 species will naturally arise from seed. 



Nature, in her teaching, speaks in very intelligible language, which 

 language is conveyed by experience and observation. Thus w-e see 

 that among promiscuous seeds of fruits of the same sort, one or more 

 may arise, whose fruits shall be found to possess a value far superior to 

 the rest in many distinguishable properties. From experience, also, we 

 have obtained the power, l)y engrafting, of increasing the number of this 

 newly acquired tree, can change its country, give it to a friend, send it 

 beyond the seas, or fill a kingdom with that fruit, if the natives are dis- 

 posed so to do. Thus we seem to have a kind of creative power in our 

 own hands. 



From the attention lately paid to the culture of engrafted fruits, I 

 hope we are now enabled to continue a supposed happily acquired tree, 

 when we can find it, for a much longer duration than if such variety had 

 been left in the state of unassisted nature; ])erhaps 1 may say for a du- 

 ration as long again, or something more. After these sanguine expecta- 

 tions, I may reasonably be asked, to what does all this amount? For 

 here there is no direct permanency — and why.'' The xvhy is very obvious — 

 because the kernels within the fruit, which are the seed of the plants for 

 forming the next generation of trees, will not produce their like. I al- 

 low they may do so accidentally; but nothing more can be depended on. 



For example, suppose we take ten kernels or pij)s of any apple rais- 

 ed on an engrafted stock; sow them, and they will i)roduce ten different 

 varieties, no two of which will be alike; nor will either of them closely 

 resemble the fruit from whence the seeds were collected. The leaves 

 also of those trees raised from the same primogenious or parent stock, 

 will not actually be a copy of the leaves of any one of the varieties or 

 family, to which each is connected by a vegetable consanguinity. I in- 

 tentionally used the word actually, because a resemblance may be found, 

 though not much of that is to be expected. 



I beg that what has been last mentioned may not be taken as a dis- 

 couragement to attempts for raising new varieties. I was obliged to 

 speak very strongly, in order to place the culture upon its true founda- 

 tion. I think it need not be observed, that there is no acquiring a new 

 variety, but through the means of a seedling plant; and therefore who- 

 ever wishes to succeed must attempt it that way, or wait till others in 

 their plantations may more fortunately produce it. 



In choosing the seeds, that apple is most likely to produce the clearest 

 and finest plants, whose kernels are firm, large, and well ripened. The 

 size of the fruit is not to be regarded; for large apples do not always 

 ripen their fruit well, or rather for cider the small fruits are generally 

 preferred for making the strongest, highest flavored liquor. And from 

 what I have been able to collect in the cider countries, it is there the 

 opinion, that an apple something above the improved crab promises the 

 best success. This advantage also attends the practice: if there ai*e no 

 valuable apples raised from that attempt, these wildings will make ex- 

 cellent stocks to engraft upon. 



Gentlemen who actually employ themselves in attempting to acquire 

 new varieties, should remember that they ought to select all the seta 

 from the bed of apple-quick, whose appearance is in the least degree 

 promising, and plant them together, at such a distance as to allow each 

 to produce its fruit, which will happen in about twelve, fifteen, or 

 eighteen years. My friend, Mr. Knight, who undoubtedly is the first 

 in actual exertions for procuring these happily acquired new varieties, 

 has had two plants bear fruit ax six years old, and one at five. The 



