BURBANK IN THE ORCHARD 



HOW TO SELECT SEEDLINGS 



This capacity to judge the possibilities of a 

 future tree by merely glancing at the seedling is 

 doubtless in part a matter of intuition. 



It has been said of Mr. Burbank, perhaps with- 

 out much exaggeration, that he has the keenest 

 senses of any man in the world. But of course a 

 profound knowledge, based on a lifetime of study, 

 supplements and checks direct observation, and 

 something of this knowledge can be conveyed to 

 others. 



Doubtless no one else can hope to select seed- 

 lings with quite the certainty of the master, yet 

 everyone can learn at least a few general char- 

 acteristics that should be looked for in the seed- 

 ling of a future fruit tree. 



Mr. Burbank tells us that the desirable qualities 

 include relative thickness and sturdiness of stock 

 and branches, round "fat" buds, and large thick 

 leaves of deep rich color. Vigor of growth is also 

 important, this being an inherent trait that is 

 manifested by the seedling from the moment that 

 it breaks through the soil. A tendency to upright 

 growth is also desirable. A seedling that shows 

 these qualities, and that has the general appear- 

 ance of health and entire freedom from fungous 

 growths, may safely be looked to as a future pro- 

 ducer of fruit of good quality. 



On the other hand, a seedling that lacks vigor, 

 is of slender stock and; branch, with thin buds and 

 leaves of poor shape or faded color, should be 



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