PROPAGATION. 63 



from cuttings, they strike root very readily, and are multi- 

 plied to any extent ; their seeds are sown only to produce 

 new varieties. The grape is propagated very extensively 

 by cuttings; the slips are often planted in the field and 

 in the stations where the vines are wanted for the vine- 

 yard ; but some varieties are so unsatisfactory in their re- 

 sults, that other more elaborate and scientific means must 

 be taken for their propagation. Among the larger fruits, 

 those constituting our trees, we do not depend upon cut- 

 tings, except in the quince, which is not only grown for 

 its fruit, but is also largely produced as a stock for the 

 dwarfed pear, and is extensively propagated from cuttings. 

 The Paradise apple, a dwarf stock, is multiplied in the 

 same way. Pears and apples may be grown from cuttings, 

 but this plan t is not pursued with them to any extent. 

 Those that are root-grafted, or budded very low, especi- 

 ally the pear on quince stocks, will often produce roots if 

 favorably situated, but there is a great difference in va- 

 rieties, some rarely produce a root, while others are very 

 prone to do it; from observations of this fact, a new 

 phase of dwarf-pear culture has been inaugurated. 



SUCKERS. One of the simplest methods of multiplying 

 varieties consists of increasing and encouraging the suck- 

 ers thrown up by the roots; these are separated and set 

 out for trees. We have been told by some physiologists 

 that there was an absolute difference in structure between 

 the root and the stem, that they could not be substituted 

 the one for the other ; and yet the oft quoted marvel of the 

 tree which was planted upside down, and which produced 

 flowers and leaves from its roots, while its branches emit- 

 ted fibres, and became true roots, is familiar to every one. 



