The Dickinson press., 1915-01-16
WHEN TO CUT scI0Ns.
The Best Results Are Found to Follow
a Little Freezing.

propagation Is to preserve the indi-
viduality Of desirable varieties. says
II. 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 indl-
viduality Of the parent tree OF plant.
Nature in 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. 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 ut 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 a very essential point.
The trees from which scions are select
ed must be free from insect pests and
parasites.
II 1n0o mt poottor -hot fco1 &C. ,,coH
to cut the scions from the tree, pro-
vided 1t 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 g%rapevines unless the trim
mings from the regular pruning are
used. In the latter case only large.
well developed wood is fit to use.
It 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 a 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 it
Is a common practice to put 100 to-
gether, but a larger number will keep
very we'll 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
it is evident that scions must be kept
cool. An even temperature Of about 50
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 a
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 and
that has no injurious qualities. Sphag.
mum moss. such as nurserymen use, is
the best Of all. Old sawdust that will
not ferment is very good and is rather
easily obtained. Leaf mold from the
woods is good. Sand is very heavy to
handle and necessitates washing the
scions 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
Of the last years growth. This is
found on the topmost and farthest
ends Of the branches.
Third.-Tie bundles with durable ma
terial and label plainly at once.
Fourth.-Do the cutting in the early
part Of winter, before severely cold
weather.
Fifth.-Store in damp material in a
cool place.