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THE FLORIST. 
which is the operation of inserting the bud or graft of one tree into the 
stem or branch of another, in such a way as the two may unite, and, 
through the influence of vegetation, form a new compound. Most all 
trees and shrubs may be increased in this way; still it is confined within 
certain limits, and does not follow that a graft from one tree will grow on 
every other, but must be of close affinity and belong to the same 
family, so that there is a similarity of structure between the stock and 
graft ; and the nearer the relationship, the more complete will be the 
union. Still it is possible to unite one tree with another, not of the 
same genus, such as the Apple on the Willow, and the Pear on the 
Thorn; or as the ancients used to boast, to graft Apples on Poplars. 
No good result can reasonably be expected from such unions, and as 
far as my own experience goes in these matters, I have invariably found 
the graft to die after growing a year or so. De Candolle, in writing on 
the subject, says, “ If the descending sap has only an incomplete analogy 
with the wants of the stock, the latter does not thrive, though the organic 
union may have taken place ; and if the analogy between the alburnum 
of stock and scion is wanting, the organic union does not operate; 
the scion cannot absorb the sap of the stock, and the graft fails.” 
This leads us to the choice of stocks that are most suitable for working 
our different kinds of fruit trees on. They are classed in two divisions, 
viz., the dwarfing and free stock. The former is a tree of diminutive 
habit and slow growth, of the same species, or belonging to the same 
family as the graft. The object in using this description of stock is to 
lessen the expansive power of the trees, so that they may be suitable for 
pot culture, low walls, or bush trees and pyramids for small gardens. 
The Quince, raised either by seed or layers,is the stock used for dwarfing 
the Pear, but every variety will not thrive on the Quince, and in general 
very short-lived. 
The paradise stock and layers or cuttings of the creeper Apple are 
among the best for dwarfing the Apple ; the Bullace for the Plum, and 
the Mahaleb stock (Primus Mahaleb) is mostly used for the Cherry. 
Free stocks are seedlings of the same kind as the graft, and will 
naturally grow to the same size as the tree from whence the scions are 
taken ; this doubtless is the best stock for the Apple, Pear, and Plum for 
general cultivation, more especially for orchards, high walls, and large 
gardens. 
As the Peach is a native of Persia and China, it is naturally too 
delicate on its own root to thrive in our cold damp climate, or it will 
do well on the Almond stock, except in very dry soil or under glass ; 
therefore it is worked on the common Plum or Muscle, on which it grows 
freely ; it is also very hardy, and will accommodate itself to any soil, 
provided it be well drained. Thus by working on the Plum, together 
with the assistance of walls, we are enabled to overcome the disadvantage 
of an unfavourable climate, and obtain beautiful fruit in abundance. 
Grafting is a method adopted for the rapid increase of certain varieties 
of fruit trees that are not easily propagated in any other way, for 
altering or renewing the heads of those that are old or worthless, and 
to render certain foreign or tender kinds more robust by grafting on 
native stocks. There are many different ways of performing the 
