Milford chronicle., 1914-12-25

WHEN TO CUT ScIoNS.
The Best Results Are Found to Follow
a little Freezing.

a Little Freezing.
The main reason for using scions for
propagation is to preserve the indl-
ylduahty Of desirable varieties. says
II L. Van Demen in the Country GEN
tlcman This plan has ioig been in
use because Of the fact that seedlings
are variable ana cannot be depended
on to preserve OF continue the lndl-
viduality u the parent tree or plant
Nature Ia some cases multiplies the in-
dividual tree or plant by making suck
ers or layers The former are sprouts
from the roots that grow up and IN
due time become independent Of the
parent; the latter are branches that
take root by contact with the soil It
was learned centuries ago that cut
tings IN proper condition and properly
treated would also develop roots and
thus become independent trees or
plants. Making the cuttings at the
right time and putting their butts in
the son when the conditions are right
for growth are all that is necessary.
II scions are cut from trees that have
borne fruit and thus proved their lden-
tity they are far safer to use than
those cut from trees that have never
borue. Making sure Of the identity Of
the variety IS a very essential point.
The trees from which scions are select
ed must be free from insect pests and
parasites
II does not matter what tool Is used
to cut the scions from the tree, pro
vided It is sharp aud does the work
neatly The place to make the cut ls
about the beginning Of the current
years growth on fruit trees, bush
fruits and grapevines unless the trim
mings from the regular pruning are
used In the latter case only large.
well developed wood IS fit 10 use.
II has been commonly thought that
the best time to cut scions is soon after
the leaves drop ia the fall or in early
winter. but in the light Of the present
experiments it is better to wait until
there has been a little freezing. This
has the effect OF changing the starch
into sugar But after the desired tenn.
perature has once been reached theI
sooner the scions are cut the better
Early December is usually the right
time
In preparing bundles for storage III
is a common practice to put 100 to
gether. but a larger number win keep
very well under one tie If the packing
material is good. II cord is used as
tie st should be tarred manila or sisal
hemp. for ordinary strings are almost
sure to rot Willow twlgs are excel
lent. cheap and easy to put on and viii
not rot during the winter. Wires are
liable to injure the scions.
From what has already been stated
it Is evident that scions must be kept
cool. An even temperature Of about 35
degrees f. Is best This is not often
obfainable except IA cold storage
plants, either public or private. Near
Is an indoor cellars are too warm
Burylng the scions ia the earth. with
Hight covering OF straw or sawdust
over the place, often affords about the
right conditions
The material with which to pack the
bundles fn storage may be almost any I
thing that Is easily kept moist and l
that has no injurious qualities Sphag I
mum moss. such as nurserymen use. Is
the best Of all. Old sawdust that viii
not ferment is very good and Is rather
easily obmined. Leaf mold from the
woods IS good Sand is very heavy to
handle and necessitates washing the
sclons in order to get rid Of grit
To sum up. the most important points
are as follows.
First-Good soil and good culture
are essential, with plenty Of light to
produce Young wood that Is well stored
with starchy matter and that has well
developed buds
Second. Cut only the most vigorous
II the last years growth. This is
'ound on the topmost and farthest
.nds Of the branches.
Third Tie bundles with durable ma
erial and label plainly at once
Fourth. do the cutting in the early
,art Of winter. before severely cold
venfher
Fifth Store in damp material in a
ool place.
Cattle sloat Treatment