28 INFLUENCE OF SOIL AND STOCK. 



variously favor the downward extension of roots, 

 may modify the character of fruits, as well as the 

 changes of seasons. Other qualities of the soil 

 may have their part in such changes. Different 

 trees of the same variety are known to be affected 

 by slight shades of difference, which are often as- 

 cribed entirely to the stock, though the soil doubt- 

 less has a large share of influence. This view is 

 further indicated by the increased luxuriance of 

 some kinds when growing in a light soil, and of 

 others in a heavy soil, and by the fact that other 

 qualities are known to be hurtful or beneficial. Dif- 

 ferent degrees of fertility, often produce very mate- 

 rial effects, both in productiveness and flavor. 



There is no doubt that stocks^ on which trees are 

 grafted, operate in some degree in a similar way. 

 Some, like a rich soil, assist the more rapid growth 

 of the branches ; others, like a sterile soil, retard 

 it ; hence corresponding results on the fruit may be 

 expected. The Pear, always easily affected, is 

 sometimes materially changed when grafted on the 

 Quince. Melting pears are in general thus improv- 

 ed, and breaking pears injured. It will be observ- 

 ed in this case that the trees are diminished to 

 mere dwarfs. Trifling influence on the fruit may 

 be expected where the vigor of growth is but little 

 lessened. All our grafted apple orchards, it will be 

 remembered, are upon all imaginable varieties of 

 seedlings; but a Khode Island Greening, a Spit- 



