CHAPTER VI. 

 PROPAGATION. 



Trees are Grown from Seeds or by Division. The 



latter term includes increase by cuttings, layers, buds, 

 and grafts. Plants grown from seeds are generally more 

 vigorous and longer-lived than those of the same species 

 propagated in any other way. Trees should be grown 

 from seeds when it is practicable to do so, but Willows 

 and some other trees are apparent exceptions to this rule 

 and seem to do as well when grown from cuttings as when 

 grown from seeds. Varieties do not generally perpetuate 

 their peculiar characteristics when grown from seeds, 

 and must therefore be propagated by some method of 

 division. 



The Most Desirable Trees from Which to Propagate are 

 those of good form and healthy growth; the latter is the 

 one most important requisite, especially if new plants 

 are to be grown by any method of division. It is not 

 so essential in selecting seeds, as even weak plants may 

 produce good seedlings, but unhealthy cuttings, layers, 

 or grafts are of very uncertain growth. In general, it is 

 best that the stock trees be healthy throughout, but a tree 

 may have a rotten trunk due to some injury and still 

 have perfectly healthy branches and be a desirable tree 

 from which to propagate. 



Sources of Seeds. In growing trees from seeds, the 

 source of the seeds is very important. It may be given 



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