INFLUENCE OF SCION ON THE STOCK. 1 19 



surface after planting. In the case of apples, the method 

 known as "whole root" stocks is consequently the worst 

 possible form for a long-lived tree. By using short cuts and 

 setting the root grafts deep, the young tree will establish it- 

 self on its own roots the first season as well as from the piece 

 of root, which must be cut entirely away, also all the 

 lateral ones, when the young tree is planted in the orchard. 

 This will give a clean, close root-pruned apple, free from all 

 subsequent suckering. When varieties are known to be weak 

 growers, they should be propagated entirely by high budding 

 on strong stocks as described above. All "whole root" 

 grafted apple trees should be root-pruned as closely as pos- 

 sible, cutting back to the body, and planted deep to induce 

 the scion or tree to strike its own roots as low as possible. 



Since writing this chapter, I noticed today, April 2, that 

 the curculio are attacking my plums, which have just shed 

 their blossoms and are very small. Last year they appeared 

 later, and it would seem to be the safer plan to spray plums 

 just before the blossoms drop. Peaches have not been 

 touched. 



