Propagation by Layers and Grafts. 271 



ncrease so, as in time to cause the death of both parts, by al- 

 together obstructing the passage of fluid. 



JJot only does the process of grafting enable the gardener to 

 multiply with greater rapidity, and to preserve with more cer- 

 tainty? an y valuable kind of flower or fruit, but by the judicious 

 selection of a stock, a favorable influence may be produced up- 

 on them. Thus the more delicate kinds of vines produce larger 

 and finer grapes when worked upon coarser and more robust 

 kinds ; and the Double Yellow Rose, which seldom opens its 

 flowers, and will not grow at all in many situations, blossoms 

 abundantly, and grows freely, when grafted on the common 

 China Rose. Some statements, however, which impute to the 

 stock a much greater influence, are without any foundation in 

 truth. Thus, it has been asserted that Roses become black 

 when grafted on Black Currants ; and Oranges crimson, if 

 arown upon the Pomegranate : but this is altogether erroneous, 

 as these species will not unite at all. 



Errors in regard to the success of the process have arisen 

 from an occurrence that sometimes takes place, — the formation, 

 bv the graft, of independent roots, which supply it partly or 

 wholly with nourishment, with little or no assistance from the 

 stock. In this way has been explained the fact, that the Olive 

 has been made to grow upon the Fig-tree, (as recorded by 

 Columella, one of the earliest writers upon Agriculture ;) for 

 no proper union can take place between them, on account of 

 the wide difference of their character. Mention is made by 

 Pliny, of a tree in the garden of Lucullus, which was so 

 crafted, as to bear pears, apples, figs, plums, olives, almonds, 

 grapes, &c. ; and at the present time, the gardeners of Italy, 

 sell plants of Jasmines, Roses, Honeysuckles, &c, all grow- 

 ing together from a stock of Orange, or Myrtle, or Pomegran- 

 ate, on which they say they are grafted. But this is a mere 

 cheat. The fact is, that the stock has its centre bored out, so 

 as to be made into a hollow cylinder, through which the stems 

 of Jasmines, and other flexible plants, are easily made to pass, 

 their roots intermingling with those of the stock. After grow- 

 ing for a time, the increase in the diameter of the stems thus en- 

 closed forces them together, and they assume all the appearances 

 of being united. Such plants are, of course, very short lived. 



