Hints on Nurserynun and Tree Buying. 193 



same time the trees may be genuine. The causes of this divergen- 

 cy from the real character, are various. The main reason, how- 

 ever, is, that young trees are incapable of giving correct expres- 

 sion to their offspring until advanced age brings about thorough 

 development of the organs of fructification. In other instances, 

 imperfections are attributable to climatal peculiarities. A 

 greater maturity of the tree will have the effect of ameliorating 

 even these extraneous influences. The absence of requisite nour- 

 ishment in the soil, will also account for freaks and sports^ that 

 may, on a superficial investigation, condemn the nurseryman. 

 Thus it is apparent that unless purchases are made from parties 

 in whom we have positive confidence, that suspense must be en- 

 dured for a greater or less period, according to the amount of at- 

 tention bestowed in cultivation. But few tree planters are willing 

 to accord sufficient interest to this statement. Their confidence 

 once gained, they are credulous until conviction is forced upon 

 them by occular proof ; and then the community of nurserymen 

 are condemned in toto. This is rank injustice to the honest propo- 

 gator ; for if the purchaser is governed by his usual discretion in 

 the matter of barter, he need not bestow his labor and money on 

 worthless trash ; again, we repeat, buy your trees of responsible 

 and reputable dealers. We might mention many such, were it 

 not for giving offence to those overlooked in the list. 



The pernicious habit of selecting trees of foreign origin, with a 

 delectable title, is another false notion, much to be deprecated. 

 Pears may succeed well in France, that are utter failures in our soil. 

 The reason for which, is, our soil is wanting in the essential ele- 

 ments to their perfect maturation. The highly extolled Ribstone pip- 

 pin, is the apple of England ; but it has never acquired any reputa- 

 tion in the United States, for even ordinary excellence. " Native 

 trees therefore, to the inexperienced cultivator, will invariably afford 

 satisfaction' without extraordinary culture, though high cultivation 

 will produce superior fruit. Amateurs, who plant promiscuously ev- 

 erything that is begilt with a new title, in both the old and new 

 world, have much to answer for, as relates to the present confused 

 state of the nomenclature of fruits, &c., as in their eagerness and 

 zeal to inculcate a new variety, they give scions to all who will 

 accept them ; their ill-informed friends assidiously clingto the Broch- 

 ure and its asseverated name, although it eventually proves to be 

 one of the fine old sorts. The a mateur neglects to acquaint his 



