some five were especially selected as the best available 
for Dwarf and Semi-Dwarf fruit trees to provide a 
range of performances to cover all needs. They contain 
within themselves all the qualifications desired. Certain 
varieties must be sometimes on one and sometimes on 
another of the various root stocks, to adjust themselves 
to climates, soils, dampness, dryness, height, size, etc. 
By the intelligent use of the selected rootstocks now 
in circulation, trees can be produced to meet various 
requirements of the individual grower. 
How Malling stocks came about is generally well 
known. Prior to 1927, Dr. Wellington and his successor, 
Dr. R. G. Hatton, at the East Malling Research Station, 
Kent, England, perfected the clonal root stocks, by 
separating the various stock, identified and classified 
the rootstocks and designated them by numbers and 
making annual distributions to the trade and educational 
institutions. 
The number has no reference whatever to performance 
or desirability, but merely indicates the distinct type of 
rootstock described by the Research Station to avoid the 
mixture of two or more stocks. An accepted system of 
numbering has the advantages of meaning the same to 
the raisers throughout the world. The vast majority of 
the vegetatively propagated rootstocks in use today are 
designated by their Malling Stock Nos. 1 - I-IV - VU 
and IX which are now chiefly used for dwarfing apples. 
As a given rootstock controls different varieties in 
different degress—soil and other environmental condi- 
tions often control the growth and fruiting more than 
the rootstock. Malling IX for instance, does not dwarf 
all varieties to the same extent. Many fruit varieties 
perform differently on various clonal rootstocks. 
Malling No. IX is the dwarfest stock. It is well suited 
for the home garden where ground space is limited. The 
ultimate size of this tree is 6 to 9 feet, depending upon 
the variety grafted. 
Malling Nos. 1 - II - IV - VII are Semi-Dwarfing 
stock. These have proven valuable and favored for the 
commercial orchards, home gardens and farms. 
Malling Nos. X to XVI are used for Standard size 
trees. 
Other varieties of fruit are grafted onto their proper 
rootstocks also, thus making them dwarf in habit. Pears 
are propagated exclusively on Anger Quince which 
dwarfs most successfully. Although, we must double 
graft certain varieties since the Anger Quince does not 
take all varieties. Peaches and Nectarines are grafted 
on Almond; Plums and Apricots on St. Julien Plum; etc. 
a7 
