The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1915-01-08
WHEN TO CUT sCIONS.
The Best Results Are Found to Follow
a title FREEZING.

a Little Freezing.
The main reason for using scions for
propagation is to preserve the indi-
viduality of desirable varieties, says
I'll. e. Van Demen in the Country Gen
tleman. This plan has long been in
use because of the fact that seedlings
are variable and cannot be depended
on to preserve or continue the indi-
viduality of the parent tree or plant.
Nature in some cases multiples 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. 1t
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 soil when the conditions are right
for growth are all that is necessary.
If scions are cut from trees that have
borne fruit and thus proved their iden-
| tity they are far safer to use than
those cut from trees that have never
borne. Making sure of the identity of
| the variety is very essential point
The trees from which sciOns are select
al LN cfc md
parasites.
1t does not matter what tool is used
to cut the scions from the tree, pro-
vided it is sharp and does the work
neatly. The place to make the cut Is
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 to use.
1t has been commonly thought that
the best time to cut scions is soon after
the leaves drop in the fall or in early
winter. but in the light of the present
experiments it is better to wait until
there has been little freezing. This
has the effect Of changing the starch
into sugar But after the desired tenn
perature has once been reached the
sooner the scions are cut the better
Early December Is usually the right
time.
In preparing bundles for storage II
Is common practice to put 100 to-
gether. but larger number will keep
very well under one tie If the packing
material Is good. If cord is used as a
tie it should be tarred manila or sisal
hemp. for ordinary strings are almost
sure to rot. Willow twigs are excel
lent, cheap and easy to put on and will
not rot during the winter. Wires are
liable to injure the scions.
From what has already been stated
1t is evident that scions must be kept
cool. An even temperature of about 81
degrees F. is best. This is not often
obtainable except in cold storage
plants. either public or private. Near,
ly all indoor cellars are too warm
Burying the scions in the earth, with 6
light covering of straw or sawdust
over the place. often affords about the
right conditions.
The material with which to pack the
bundles in storage may be almost any
thing that is easily kept moist an6
that has no injurious qualities. Sphag
mum moss, such as nurserymen use. il
the best of all Old sawdust that viii
not ferment is very good and Is rather
easily obtained. Leaf mold from tn,
woods is good. Sand Is very heavy Il
handle and necessitates washing tn,
scions in order TO get rid of grit
To sum up, the most important point
are as follows:
First.-Good soil and good cultur,