THE N URSER Y-LIST 239 



apricots, which are a hardy race of Prunus armeniaca, are grown in 

 colder climates than the common varieties, and they therefore de- 

 mand hardy stocks. Any of the native plums make good stocks, 

 but the Marianna is prominent. The myrobalan plum can be 

 used for all apricots, but it is not popular in severe climates. 

 The almond, both hard- and soft-shelled, is sometimes used for 

 the apricot, but the union is likely to be imperfect, and it is not 

 recommended. Almond-rooted trees are thought to be best 

 adapted to light soils. The whole subject of stocks for apricots is 

 in need of investigation. 



Varieties of apricots are usually budded, in the same way as the 

 peach, although they may be side-grafted at the crown in the nur- 

 sery row. 



In California, the apricot is mostly worked on apricot seedlings, 

 by budding the seedlings the same year the seed is planted. The 

 peach stock grown in the same way was formerly preferred and of 

 late years is again coming into favor, especially in rather shallow 

 or medium heavy soils. In heavy soils, or on hillsides subject to 

 spring seepage, the myrobalan plum stock is used. On the almond, 

 the union is too imperfect for practical purposes. 



Aquilegia (Columbine). Ranunculaccas. 



Increased by seeds, sown thinly, soon after ripe, in a sandy soil 

 or in a frame. Blooming plants should be had the second season. 

 Keep the seed-beds uniformly moist, as the seeds are likely to be 

 slow in germinating. Division of the root is employed for the 

 perpetuating of named or horticultural varieties. 



Arabis (Wall-Cress. Rock-Cress). Cruciferce. 



Multiplied readily by seeds sown in the open or in pans, in 

 spring ; by division of the root, and by cuttings in a shady place 

 or a frame in summer. 



Araceae. Aroids. 



Propagation is by seed, in most cases sown as soon as ripe, using 

 a compost of peat, loam, sand and sphagnum moss, covering lightly, 

 placing the tropical species in a close moist propagating-case where 

 a temperature of 75 to 80 is maintained. Seeds of species from 

 temperate climates may be placed in a temperature of 65 to 70. 

 The soil should be kept uniformly moist at all times. Some kinds 

 are increased by offsets, others by tubers, while the larger number 

 are increased by division or by cuttings. 



