INFLUENCE OF PRODUCTIVENESS. 31 



free and perfect as if their natures had been more 

 nearly the same ; the sap is impeded in its ascent, 

 and the proper juices are impeded in their descent, 

 whence arises that accumulation of secretion which 

 is sure to be attended with increased fertility." 



As a general rule, therefore, the influence of the 

 stock is not to be taken into account in practice, as 

 it is usually so small, except on stocks of very dif- 

 ferent natures, as to amount to nothing perceptible. 

 Cultivation and fertility of soil, are of incalculably 

 greater importance. And while the effects of cli- 

 mate are to be attentively observed in making a 

 selection of fitting varieties ; the improvement of 

 those selected sorts to the highest degree of per- 

 fection, is only to be attained by culture. 



INFLUENCE OF PRODUCTIVENESS. 



When fruit is thick upon the branches, both size 

 and flavor are diminished. Many kinds are ren- 

 dered nearly worthless by overbearing. It is often 

 observed that early apples and peaches, remaining 

 last on the tree, are much more delicious than the 

 earlier portions which ripened on crowded limbs. 

 With some varieties, the effect of productiveness is 

 so great as wholly to alter the character. A tree 

 of the Heath cling, before unknown to the person 

 who raised it, bore the first year a very abundant 

 crop ; and the fruit, which had been recommended 

 as of great size and excellence, was small, green, 

 with only a disagreeable, bitter taste. In the 



