WINTER INJURY TO THE ROOTS 315 



between the Mazzard cherry and the apple. The Chnton, Concord, and Dia- 

 mond roots, even excluding the influence of size, are considerably more resistant 

 than apple roots, and Concord and Clinton seem equal if not superior to the 

 Mahaleb stock. 



" . . . Vitis (Bstivalis, represented by Norton and Cynthiana, is not adapted 

 to severe cold, and this may account for the fact that its range is limited to the 

 South. The tenderness of Lindley is probably due in part to the influence of 

 Vitis vinifera, which, as is well known, will not survive the winter in the latitude 

 of New York State without much protection. Concord and Diamond represent 

 Vitis labrusca, the Northern Fox grape, which, while restricted in distribution, is 

 found in Maine. Vitis vuljmia, represented by Clinton — a variety with extremely 

 resistant roots — has the greatest range of any American species of grape, it 

 having been found in Canada north of Quebec. "^^ 



The Sfnall Fruits. — Among small fruits Carrick found a wide range 

 in hardiness. The blackberry, dewberry and red raspberry roots tested 

 appeared to rank with the IMyrobolan plum and the Mazzard cherry. 

 Eldorado seemed the hardiest of the blackberries under observation, but, 

 curiously enough the Lucretia dewberry seemed somewhat more hardy 

 than Eldorado. The roots of the Cuthbert raspberry appeared equal in 

 hardiness to the Eldorado blackberry. None of the varieties studied 

 survived a temperature of — 12°C., though many of the larger roots were 

 uninjured at — 11°C. On the other hand, currant and gooseberry roots 

 were extremely resistant; a Downing gooseberry root withstanding 

 — 20.5°C., though this probably would be the limit of hardiness. On the 

 basis of the material examined Carrick rather provisionally rates the 

 gooseberry roots as slightly more resistant than the currant. 



Preventive and Remedial Treatments. — Danger of root injury may be 

 permanent or temporary. If the past history of the locality shows 

 extensive root injury the grower should bear this in mind as a possible 

 threat. If his site is sandy or chronically dry or wind swept in winter he 

 is threatened continually and may be justified in accommodating his 

 orchard practice accordingly. A temporary condition of danger may 

 occur, such as a dry autumn, in orchards ordinarily safe. Early winter 

 cold snaps are most to be feared, because the roots are then tender and 

 there is less likely to be a snow covering. However, it may be February 

 that brings disaster. 



Deep Planting and Mulching. — Preventive methods are more effi- 

 cacious and generally cheaper than palliative measures. Deeper planting 

 than usual, if the winter water table is not too high, may protect the 

 roots, especially in the first winter. Protective soil coverings, either 

 mulches or cover crops, should be used in very dry locations; the advan- 

 tage of a snow blanket should be remembered in choice of site or in select- 

 ing a cover crop. 



The tendency of deep planted trees to send out roots from the cion is 

 well known. Some varieties do this more freely than others. These 



