VII STOCKS 125 



recommends trimming the roots of standard stocks, 

 before planting, with a bill ! 



The greatest number of stocks, and the finest to 

 look at, will be found on heavy land, but, as a rule 

 not without exceptions, those on Hghter land will have 

 more numerous and fibrous roots. The stocks will 

 be either rooted suckers from the main stool, or, if 

 young enough, the actual plant itself with the stout 

 principal root of the seedling briar. In either case, 

 as little as possible should be reserved of the under- 

 ground stem ormainroot, consistent with thepreserva- 

 tion of some fibres ; for it is these latter, with many 

 others which form in the spring, that will support 

 the new growth of the plant : the thick main roots 

 and underground stems will only throw up suckers 

 if they live, and if they die are likely to harbour 

 fungus which is hurtful to the living fibres. If 

 planted early enough, say before Christmas, the 

 stock will grow well enough in most cases without 

 any fibres : it will be sufficient to leave about three 

 inches of clean root, squarely and smoothly cut at 

 the end. 



In many localities the hedgebanks are the only 

 available places, where the stocks are difficult to get 

 at, and naturally have roots only on one side, and 

 often fantastically curled about. Briars growing in 

 the open undergrowth of a wood, or in any rough 

 half-uncultivated level space, are much easier to get 

 at, and probably have a more even spread of roots. 

 When going along hedgerows, I lay the stocks out 

 as I get them on the edge of the ditch with the 

 roots covered with wet leaves and grass, and collect 

 them as I come back. I then cut an elm sucker as 

 a withe and make a little faggot, which, regardless 



