The Propagation of Plums 245 



stocks are less hardy than on plum stocks, especially 

 in the north. Neither of these assumptions is so well 

 supported by experiment and observation as might be 

 wished. Some of the thriftiest and hardiest young 

 trees which I know in Vermont are growing on peach 

 roots. Nevertheless, I am far from recommending 

 peach stocks for northern planters. Indeed, I am in- 

 clined to share the popular prejudice against them, and 

 to believe that they should not be used for northern 

 trees. Mr. Kerr of Maryland, who uses peach stock 

 somewhat extensively, always whip-grafts his scions 

 upon the peach roots; and says he would not bud 

 plums on peach under any circumstances. In most 

 cases he secures his plum trees on their own roots in 

 this way. This is desirable except with varieties which 

 are apt to sprout. 



On the whole, it may be said that the peach has 

 plain and undeniable advantages as a stock; that, 

 though there is good reason to suspect it of certain 

 weaknesses, these weaknesses have not been fully 

 proven ; and that, under these circumstances, the peach 

 will probably continue to be used as a stock for plums 

 in the south for many years to come. 



Apricot. As a stock for the plum, the apricot 

 stands on a level with the peach. It is more seldom 

 used, chiefly because the seed is harder to get. Near 

 the California canneries, though, where apricots are 

 largely canned, apricot seedlings have often been 

 used for budding plums. They are not generally 

 recommended. 



Almond stocks are also sometimes used. 



Peach, apricot and almond are especially suited 

 to light soils, and trees on these stocks may sometimes 

 be preferred on this account. 



Americana seedlings. In Wisconsin, Iowa, Ne- 

 braska, and all the region to the northwest, Americana 



