366 INFLUENCE OF THE SCION UPON THE STOCK. 



would say that while the foliage aids in accomplish- 

 ing this result, yet the main work lies hidden in the 

 secret recesses of each cell. 



That the scion has a great influence over the 

 stock, is also easily observed, particularly in the 

 formation of roots. The amount of its influence 

 depends greatly upon the fact, whether or not the 

 scion forms the whole top. If a portion of the 

 limbs of the old wild stock is retained, the native 

 character will be prominent in the roots ; but if the 

 scion has full control, the name of the variety can 

 be as readily determined by a careful observer of 

 them as from the branches. The general habit of 

 the tree beneath the ground corresponds usually 

 with that above. When the tree throws an upright, 

 stiff head, as in the Buffum pear, the roots as di- 

 rectly descend. Where the head is crooked, and 

 the shoots turn with curious elbows, the roots cor- 

 respond. Trees with abundant limbs, and compact 

 heads, have a close and generous supply of roots. 

 Those which cast withy shoots, like the Winter 

 Nelis pear, have wiry roots. Those which have 

 a few fat branches, like the Vicar of Winkfield pear, 

 have a few chubby roots. Men who have worked 

 for years in nurseries, and have been accustomed to 

 digging trees, are aware of these peculiarities. The 

 BufFum pear tree, on account of its strong, straight 

 top roots, will, as they say, "bear a pull," while 

 such a method with the straggling Rostiezer would 



