248 THE CONNECTICUT POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



three inches long, being first trimmed of all side rootlets. 

 The stocks and scions are then fitted together and tied with 

 waxed string. These grafts, in regular nursery work, are 

 usually made in a graft shop during the winter months and 

 stored in damp sawdust until they can be planted in the 

 spring. By that time, a callus will have formed about the 

 stock and scion where they are joined, and the plant will soon 

 start roots and develop a healthy growth if the grafting ras 

 been properly and carefully done. This same method is 

 often used for top grafting young trees in nursery work. 



/. H. Desmond. 



Germination of Seeds. 



To a great extent all gardeners and vegetable growers are 

 dependent upon the germination of seeds for the success they 

 have in plant raising. 



If seeds do not have vitality enough to germinate after 

 planting, the grower may lose several days in using them ; 

 thus it is wise for him to test his seeds before planting. One 

 method for testing his seeds is by counting out one hundred 

 and sowing them in drills in a shallow box of fine loam kept 

 at an average temperature of from 65 degrees to 80 degrees. 

 The box should then be covered with glass to prevent rapid 

 evaporation. After the seedlings have come up. by counting 

 them the per cent, of germination of the seeds is easily 

 obtained. Another simpler method, and perhaps easier and 

 quicker, is to take two plates and in one place a piece of cloth, 

 — woolen, if convenient, as it holds moisture better — wet it and 

 press out the surplus water, leaving it damp. Place the 

 counted seeds between the folds. Then place the other plate 

 over it and keep the temperature as formerly stated. Another 

 point is to notice the sprouts of the seedlings, whether they 

 are weak or not. If they are weak, which is apt to be the 

 case of too old seed, they should not be used as they will not 

 grow out of doors. 



Many seeds have the power of holding their vitality for 

 long periods of time, some as long as ten or twelve years, such 



