Stock for Planting. .51 



The class of wood to be used for cuttings, is in my 

 estimation, an important matter. I am aware that this 

 has given rise to much controversy of late, but notwith- 

 standing the opinions given by some of our best grow- 

 ers, I still claim that an indiscriminate use of wood in 

 propagating — if we would obtain the best results— is a 

 mistake. When practicable to do so, I would never 

 ■ use anything but clean healthy shoots terminated by 

 buds. Reject absolutely, all "trimmings" or weak 

 growth, and have as little to do with blind wood as 

 possible. It stands to reason, that a succession of the 

 best will gradually raise the standard of excellence. 

 AVe know this to be true in animal life. It has also 

 been .proved in various ways in the vegetable king- 

 dom. All know the unswerving law of heredity in 

 the human organism. The sooner we apply these 

 proved principles to matters horticultural the more 

 rapid will be our approach to the ideal standard. 



The propagation of roses from blind wood may show 

 no appreciable evil results for one, two or three years. 

 But let him who would demonstrate it thoroughly per- 

 sist in the use of this wood alone for ten or fifteen years, 

 and we shall then know whether the tendency is to de- 

 preciate the blooming qualities of the stock or not. As 

 for myself, I have no desire to experiment in that di- 

 rection, preferring to use such as I know will bring sat- 

 isfactory results. 



No practical man will attempt to improve any species 



