STOCK AND CION HANDLING 219 



ing some additional varieties propagated on piece roots. No dif- 

 ferences in growth or vigor were observable in the orchard. In 

 another Kansas experiment three varieties of 400 trees each, on 

 whole roots, were compared by Judge Wellhouse with 400 of the 

 same varieties on two-inch piece roots. In the latter case, the young 

 trees had developed considerable numbers of roots directly from 

 the cions, thus making the trees largely own rooted, while no cion 

 roots were developed on whole-rooted trees. After 19 years in the 

 orchard, the only difference observed was in the greater number of 

 sprouts from the whole-rooted trees. 



From all these data it is obvious that none of the present forms 

 of propagation has any material advantage over any other. It 

 may be of distinct advantage to get rid of the seedling root alto- 

 gether, either by using the shortest roots practicable and then cut- 

 ting them off during transplanting after roots have developed above, 

 or possibly by a direct rooting of the cions. 



8 9 \0 U 



FIG. 181 GAUGE FOR CUTTING GRAPE STOCKS 



This insures accuracy as to length. The base of the cion is placed against 

 the adjustable crosspiece and the cutting moved back a: d for.h till a bud comes 

 just to the right of the guide line when it is cut off flush with the edge of the 

 board. Thus 1%-inch internode is secured above the top with only \Y 2 inches 

 maximum variation in total length. 



Elimination of seedling roots would at least obviate the numerous 

 ill effects of poor unions. It would also reduce the opportunity 

 for crown-gall infections, eliminate the possibility of harmful in- 

 fluence of variable seedling stocks upon cions, and make it possible 

 to develop definite and standaid root-systems, with which injuries 

 from root aphis and kindred difficulties might well be greatly re- 

 duced or entirely eliminated. This important array of advantages, 

 all of them practical, is by no means impossible of attainment. 



283. Selection of cions is of prime importance in graft- 

 ing. None but thoroughly mature wood, cut while the 

 buds are fully dormant, should ever be used. Preferably 

 it should be one year old, though sometimes two-year and 

 even three-year wood gives good results. Pithy and soft 

 wood is worthless for grafting. Cions may be packed in 

 damp moss or sand and stored in a cool cellar until buds 



