21 



that "it is from the analogy of the stock and graft that 

 healthy vigor results, and unless this analogy is suffi- 

 ciently close, it is impossible to obtain fruits in perfection. 

 Not only does this influence manifest itself in the vigor 

 and hardiness of the tree, but also in the quality of the 

 fruit and the time of ripening." We must, therefore, 

 learn on what kind of stock, in what soil and aspect, and 

 with what treatment each variety will flourish best. As 

 I have before remarked, every tree, plant and herb, from 

 the cedar of Lebanon to the flag of the Nile, from the 

 loftiest oak of the forest to the humblest daisy of the 

 meadow, from the fantastic parasite luxuriating in solsti- 

 tial air to the little flower that peeps from Alpine snows, 

 every thing endowed with vegetable life, requires its 

 own peculiar element and treatment, to sustain its vigor 

 and secure its highest possible perfection. However 

 varied this sustenence may be, and whether derived from 

 earth, air or water, if it be uncongenial, deterioration 

 and decay are inevitable. Every branch, twig and bud, 

 every leaf that flutters in the breeze, is an organized and 

 living body. Each has its correlative part, and any in- 

 jury done to the one will be felt in the other. 



Under these general laws, each variety requires a par- 

 ticular treatment, and should be nurtured with a wise 

 reference to its peculiarities and habits. I am inclined 

 to believe that the most valuable treatise on pomology 

 would be one descriptive of the wants of each sort. The 

 pomologist must, therefore, study the constitution and 

 natural tendencies of each variety, as a father would 

 those of his children : — 



" Each tree a child, your aid their weakness rears, 

 Directs their youth, and tends their drooping years, 

 Their different bents you mark with studious eye, 

 Their laws you give, their manners you supply ; 

 Directing thus their flowrets, fruits and leaves, 

 Your potent hand Creation's work achieves." 



