CHAPTER XIV 

 PROPAGATION AND FRUIT-STOCKS 



Since most of the tree-fruits do not come ''true" from 

 seed, it is necessary to provide a root or stock on which to 

 bud or graft them. The term "fruit-stocks," therefore, re- 

 fers to the seedhngs on which are "worked" varieties of the 

 tree-fruits, nuts, and sometimes grapes. This is in distinction 

 to "cion" which refers to the piece of wood of the desired 

 variety introduced on the seedling stock. 



The entire fruit-stock situation is not well worked out, 

 as miscellaneous seedlings of unknown genetic constitution 

 are used.^ The seedlings, however, have given very good 

 results, and the improvements that could be made by a 

 more intelligent selection of material must remain a con- 

 jecture. Certainly as regards hardiness, disease, and insect 

 resistance, improvements of note could be accomplished. 

 Already something has been undertaken and the proper 

 organization for a further extension of this work is now in 

 existence. However, as referred to later, the relation of 

 stock and cion is only meagerly understood. 



302. Handling the seed and stock. — After the fruit-seeds 

 have been collected in the fall, they are assembled at the 

 nurseries, either at foreign points or in this country, where 

 they are properly handled for the raising of seedling stock. 

 Apple seed is secured by washing pomace obtained at cider 

 mills and it is then dried in the open air. The seed is then 

 stratified in sand until early spring. The apple seed will 

 ^See Chapter XIII. 



