I would here again recommend a more careful study of affinities between the stock and the graft. Whatever be the opinions in regard to the manner and degree of influence which the scion has upon the stock, or the reverse, the fact of that influence is undeniable. For example, we have seen certain varieties of the pear, as the Cross, Collins, and others, which would not readily assimilate with the stock, however vigorous. We have, in many in. stances, seen healthful trees sicken and eventually die, by the insertion of these uncongenial grafts. So great was the want of congeniality, that we have seen the stocks throw out successive crops of suckers, and although these were frequently removed, yet the scion would refuse to receive and elaborate the sap in sufficient quantity to nourish it, and the trees would finally die. In such instances, the only way to restore the health of the stock is to remove the graft for a scion of its own or some other appropriate sort:

As I have formerly directed your attention to this topic, I have only space to embody a few general rules to guide practice.

In deciding upon affinity between the tree and graft, consider -

First, The character of the woods to be united, as whether of fine or coarse texture, of slen der or gross growth.

Second, The wood-buds, whether abundant or sparse, plump or lean, round or pointed.

Third, The seasons of maturity, whether early, medium, or late.

These suggestions will suffice to indicate the direction of thought and the kind of investigation to be pursued. A better knowledge of the subject will, no doubt, hereafter be attained, and will reveal some of the inexplicable mysteries which now attend this branch of fruit culture.