122 GARDENING FOK THE SOUTH. 



Experience shows the graft and stock mutually influence 

 each other. The effect of the stock upon the graft in im- 

 proving its product, is evident in such pears as succeed on 

 the quince, their size and flavor being much improved. 

 The graft in turn affects the stock, increasing or diminish- 

 ing its vigor. The Newtown Pippin will roughen the 

 bark of any other apple stock. A Collins pear, grafted 

 upon the branches of another variety, is very likely to 

 cause the death of the whole tree. 



CHAPTER XI. 



PRUNING AND TRAINING. 



Pruning. This operation is generally performed more 

 at random than any other in gardening, yet is one of the 

 most important and most delicate. Not even a twig 

 should be removed from a tree without some definite ob- 

 ject. This work above all others requires care, knowl- 

 edge, and judgment, and should never be left to ignorant 

 operators. In their hands the results can hardly fail to be 

 injurious, but performed by those who base their practice 

 on the laws of vegetation, it contributes to ensure a regu- 

 lar production of beautiful and perfect fruit, and still 

 more to prolong the life and fruitfulness of trees. 



The benefits of skillful pruning, as stated by Du Breuil, 

 are: 



1st. It permits one to impose upon its subject a form 

 corresponding with the place it is designed to occupy. 

 Thus to standard fruit trees is given the pyramidal form, 

 or that of the vase. Trees thus managed produce larger 

 and more abundant fruits than those left to grow at ran- 

 dom, and occupy less space. Trees upon an espalier or 



