216 On Grafting and Budding Standard Fruit Trees, 



abridged of the nourishment which nature intended for it, be- 

 gins to decline in vigour, and soon after decays and perishes. 

 This I have frequently observed in my own experience, and 

 hence it is that trees are continually decaying, and such 

 frequent supplies of them are required. 



It ought also to be considered, for it is, in my opinion, a 

 matter of great importance, that by the practice I deprecate, 

 fruit trees are exposed to much greater danger through ex- 

 ternal injuries, than they otherwise would be. It is notorious 

 that the bearing stem (especially of Peaches, Nectarines, and 

 Apricots ) is much more tender, and therefore much more 

 liable to be injured than the stock ; and if injured, is by 

 no means so likely to be soon and effectually healed. Every 

 man of observation knows, that the stock will bear, with- 

 out material injury, wounds and bruises, which would occa- 

 sion to the other a rapid and incurable decline. As, therefore, 

 by this new method, the whole, or almost the whole, of the 

 stem of the tree is of this tender nature, and by the old 

 method, the whole of the stem was of the hardiest; it is 

 evident that trees, as they are now raised, are exposed to 

 perpetual injuries from the spade, cattle, insects, &c, which 

 they would not be, if the old method of working from the 

 top were to be restored. Arguments need not, I conceive 

 be multiplied to prove, that nature in its wild state, is much 

 more able to bear injuries with impunity, than it is in a state 

 of cultivation, and that the latter often becomes a prey to 

 gum, canker, &c, which produce a gradual decline, from 

 causes, which would do none, or a very trifling injury, to the 

 stock. 



