242 Root-grafted versus Stock-grafted Fruit Trees. 



Mr. Barry says he once entertained the same opinion as we 

 do in relation to root-grafting, but does not state why he 

 changed his views. He also says, in quoting the discussion 

 upon the subject before the convention, that he shall give the 

 whole, "and not what one individual said, as our friend 

 Hovey has done." On reading this, we began to think we 

 had given an exparte view of the case, but on looking over 

 the extract, we could find no evidence of this ; and that our 

 readers may judge for themselves, we copy the same por- 

 tion of the discussion that Mr. Barry does : — 



Mr. Williams — Has seen a ease parallel to the one just mentioned of the 

 Baldwin. 



Mr. Bray ton — Had seen it bear well, both root and stock- grafted. 



C. Bryant — Thinks it should always be worked on very thrifty seedling 

 stocks at standard height. 



Mr. Phcenix — Has several root-grafted trees ; tops appear stinted ; bears 

 well ; fruit of very excellent flavor. 



A. Bryant — -Has several trees budded standard high, very productive, 

 rather deficient in roots ; has staked some trees three years ; now appear 

 firmly rooted. 



Mr. McWhorter moved to recommend as best in quality of fruit, for lim- 

 ited cultivation. Lost. 



A. Bryant moved to recommend for general culture, when wcwked at 

 standard height, on thrifty seedling stocks.- Carried unanimously. 



Mr. Williams was called on to giye his views more fully on the advan- 

 tages of stock-grafted or budded trees over root-grafted. 



He paid attention to it for several years ; this year had spent much 

 time in visiting orchards and making observations. He believes that for 

 the orchardist, trees worked standard high, are better worth one dollar a. 

 tree, than for them to plant root-grafted trees, receiving them and a dollar 

 with each tree as a gratuity. He found our shy bearers, as Early Harvest, 

 Pryor's Red, &c., to bear well when stock-worked. To the rule he finds 

 general, there may be some exceptions. 



Mr. Brayton — With him some varieties bear as well root-grafted as bud- 

 ded ; some of our cultivated varieties are more hardy than the average of 

 seedlings ; such should be root-grafted. 



Mr. McWhorter — Some varieties, that are very hardy on roots, are poor 

 bearers. 



Mr. Phcenix — Has paid much attention to the subject under discussion ; 

 believes that working scions from nursery trees is bad policy ; attributes 

 much of the complaining of unproductiveness to this cause ; has facts to 

 sustain him. Believes some varieties will prove quite as productive root- 



