THE NURSERY LIST. 1 19 



northern states, or it may be begun on strong stocks in July 

 by using buds which have been kept on ice. Stocks should 

 be strong enough to be budded the same year they are trans- 

 planted, but the operation is sometimes deferred until the 

 second summer. Stocks which cannot be worked until the 

 second year are unprofitable, especially on valuable land. 

 For root-grafting, strong one-year-old roots, are best, but 

 two-year-olds are often used. 



In common practice, the root is cut into two or three 

 pieces of two to three inches each, but stronger trees are 

 obtained, at least the first year or two, by using the whole 

 root and grafting upon the crown. The lowest piece is 

 usually small and weak and is generally discarded. 



The apple is easily top-grafted and top-budded. (See 

 Chapter V.) 



Apple Berry. See Billardiera. 

 Apricot {Prunus Armeniacd). Rosacecv. 



The apricot thrives upon a variety of stocks. Apricot 

 stocks are used in apricot-growing regions, especially for 

 deep and rich well-drained soils. The pits grow readily if 

 given the same treatment as that detailed for the peach 

 (which see). The stocks are also handled in the same man- 

 ner as peach stocks. Apricots upon apricot roots are not 

 largely grown out side of California, in this country. Apricot 

 stocks can be grown from root cuttings the same as cherries 

 and other stone fruits. 



The apricot does well upon the peach, especially on light 

 soils. In the warmer parts of the country peach is much used. 



Plum stocks are commonly used at the north, especially if 

 the trees are to be planted in moist or heavy soils. The 

 common plum is generally used, but some of the native 

 plum stocks are now coming into favor, especially in trying 

 climates. The Russian apricots, which are a hardy race of 

 Prunus Armeniaca, are grown in colder climates than the 

 common varieties, and they therefore demand hardy stocks. 

 Any of the native plums make good stocks, but the Marianna 

 is now coming into especial prominence. The myrobolan 

 plum can be used for all apricots, but it is not popular, par- 

 ticularly in severe climates. 



The almond, both hard and soft-shelled, is sometimes used 

 for the apricot, but the union is likely to be imperfect and it 

 is not recommended. Almond-rooted trees are best adapted 

 to light soils. 



Varieties of apricots are usually budded, in the same way 

 as the peach, although they may be side-grafted at the crown 

 in the nursery row. 



