SELECTING STOCKS. ^35 



tremely hardy, and the varieties of the Pontic Azaleas {A. 

 Pontica), and the semi-evergreen of the Chiaese {A. Sinen- 

 sis or mollis of some authors), take readily to these stocks, 

 forming a close and lasting union and insuring a vigor- 

 ous growing plant. The American Flame-colored Azalea 

 {A. calendulacea), is also a good stock, but is not quite as 

 hardy as the first two. A. viscosa is the stronger grower of 

 the two, and for this reason is usually preferred as a stock 

 for the larger growing varieties of Pontica, mollis and the 

 various hybrids between the Pontic and American species. 

 For cultivation in our Northern States, as well as in the 

 northern countries of Europe, the two first-named species 

 of Azaleas are without doubt the best for stocks. 



Betula (Birch). — Seedlings of the strongest growing 

 species, like the White Birch- of Europe {B. alba) or the 

 American Sweet Birch (B. lenia) and Paper Birch {B. 

 papyracea), are preferred as stocks for the many varieties 

 of different species now in cultivation. 



Calophaca (Lentil Shrub). — The common Laburnum 

 {L. vulgare), is employed as a stock for the C. Wolgarica, 

 a low-growing shrub, native of Siberia. Grafting is only 

 practised for the purpose of producing graceful little trees 

 of only a few feet in height ; consequently, the stocks 

 should be tall and straight, and the cion inserted six feet 

 or more from the ground. 



Camellia. — Seedlings or plants raised from cuttings of 

 the single flowered variety are usually preferred for stocks. 

 Double flowering varieties may, however, be re-grafted 

 wherever desired, thereby making what are called "double 

 worked " plants. 



Caeagana (Siberian Pea Tree). — Seedlings of C. ar- 

 borescens are the best stocks on which to work the 

 smaller growing species and varieties. The weeping or 

 pendulous variety should be worked on rather tall 

 stocks, to allow room for the growth of the drooping twigs 

 and branches. 



