238 THE NURSERY-MANUAL 



wood cuttings with extreme difficulty, if at all. (For a study of 

 Paradise stocks, used for dwarfing, see Hatton, Journ. Royal Hort. 

 Soc. May, 1919.) 



Apple stocks are either grafted or budded. Root-grafting is 

 the most common at the West; long cions are sometimes used 

 in order to secure own-rooted trees, although only a few varieties 

 root well on their own wood. Budding is performed in August 

 and early September in the northern states, or it may be begun 

 on strong stocks in July by using buds that have been kept on ice. 

 Stocks should be strong enough to be budded the same year they 

 are transplanted, but the operation is sometimes deferred until 

 the second summer. Stocks that cannot be worked until the 

 second year are unprofitable, especially on valuable land. For 

 illustrations of the methods of grafting apple trees, consult many 

 of the figures from Figs. 152 to 188, and Fig. 198. 



For root-grafting, strong one-year-old roots are best, but two- 

 year-olds are often used. For piece-root work, the root is cut into 

 two or three pieces of 2 to 3 inches each. The lowest piece is 

 usually small and weak, and is generally discarded. Whole-root 

 grafts are to be preferred, unless the tree is to be grown on its own 

 roots by the use of a long cion. For discussion of the relative 

 merits of budded and root-grafted trees, turn to page 141. 



The apple is easily top-grafted and top-budded. (See Chapter 

 VI. For grades of trees of apples and others, see pages 179 to 182 ; 

 measuring devices are shown in Figs. 203 to 205.) 



Apricot (Prunus armeniaca, P. dasycarpa, P. Mume). Rosaceoe. 



The apricot thrives on a variety of stocks. Apricot stocks are 

 used in apricot-growing regions, especially for deep and rich well- 

 drained soils. The pits grow readily if given the same treatment 

 as that detailed for the peach (which see). The stocks are also 

 handled in the same way as peach stocks. Apricots on apricot 

 roots are not largely grown outside of California, in this country. 

 Apricot stocks can be grown from root-cuttings the same as cherries 

 and other stone-fruits, but this is little practiced. 



The apricot does well on the peach, especially on light soils. 

 In the warmer parts of the country peach is much used. 



Plum stocks are commonly used at the North, especially if the 

 trees are to be planted in moist or heavy soils. The common 

 plum is generally used, but some of the native plum stocks 

 are coming into favor, especially in trying climates. The Russian 



