STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 91 



differing methods and in vfvrious localities. I have learned to reject 

 an unthrifty tree from whatever cause, as worthless. 



I early adhered to the theories, that root grafting is an unnatural 

 process, producing inferior trees ; that grafting in the limbs produces 

 a more hard}- tree than can be obtained by grafting in the trunk or 

 crown of a root grown from the seed ; and further, that an ungrafted 

 tree is of stronger growth, more productive, and longer lived, than 

 one grown by an}' method of grafting w-hatever. Regarding them 

 as theories still, I would speak of them cautiously. In the light of 

 ni}' experience, I will only say that I would reject root grafted trees 

 altogether. Whether an ungrafted tree be more hardy and produc- 

 tive than others, or not, there certainh' can be no profit in growing 

 poor fruit; hence I would use the best grafted trees obtainable, and 

 I will here express the opinion, possibly a theory not well founded, 

 that it is of ver}- little consequence at what period of growth the 

 operation of grafting is performed, provided it be done before the 

 maturity of a tree grown from the seed. 



Regretting the necessity of leaving so man}' points involved in 

 this subject, unnoticed, I will here close b}' deducing the following 

 conclusions : 



That an old orchard cannot be permanentl}' rejuvenated. 



That in consequence of overbearing and neglect, trees may become 

 prematurel}- old, and the injury thus sustained can never be full}' 

 repaired, or the penalty for thus violating natural law be evaded. 



That young orchards can now be grown with more profit, and 

 with as much certainty, as by the fathers. 



That in planting orchards, good, thrifty and hardy trees only 

 should be used, to be followed by generous and careful treatment, or 

 failure will result. 



That the quality and fitness of a tree for transplanting, depends 

 not so much on the longitude in which it is grown, as upon the 

 method of its production. 



Discussion. 



After reading his paper, questions were put to Mr. Shaw by sev- 

 eral members, Avhieh he answered, as follows: 



QuES. Do you mean to say you would object to grafting a natural 

 tree that was of considerable size, pi'ovided the tree was perfectly 



thrifty ? 



