SELECTING THE TREES 31 



budded tree always has a larger root system 

 than a one-year-old grafted tree. This addi- 

 tional root system is not necessarily of any ad- 

 vantage to the orchardist, but it does enable 

 the nurseryman to produce a larger and more 

 vigorous specimen — which sells for a higher 

 price. If a budded tree remains in the nurs- 

 ery until the bud has made two seasons ' growth 

 we have a two-year-old tree with a three-year- 

 old root system. In any event the root system 

 of the budded tree is always a year older than 

 the top. I have planted many apple trees grown 

 by both methods and I can not see that there is 

 any difference in the bearing trees which they 

 produce. A medium-sized, one-year-old tree, 

 either budded or grafted, is more readily trans- 

 planted than is one two years of age or older. 

 Also the younger trees, being smaller, can be 

 sent by freight or express at much less expense. 

 Regardless of the age of the tree, however, 

 its physical condition will bear evidence as to 

 the method that has been used in producing it. 

 If it is a stunted runty specimen, it has been 

 grown on poor soil or it has had bad cultiva- 

 tion. In either case its natural growth has 

 been interfered with, and if it is planted in an 

 orchard it will hesitate some time before it 

 makes any effort to show what it can do. These 

 weak trees always make me feel that they have 

 been frightened in some way in the nursery and 



