Meaning: This quote by Robert Fortune, a Scottish botanist and plant collector, reflects the fascination and commercial value associated with a particular species of pine trees, particularly when they are cultivated in a dwarfed form using Chinese horticultural techniques. The mention of the pine being "grafted on a variety of the stone pine" indicates the practice of grafting, a horticultural technique where the tissues of one plant are joined with those of another to combine their characteristics.

The "small species of pinus" referred to in the quote likely pertains to a specific type of pine tree that was highly prized for its aesthetic appeal and rarity. In horticulture, the concept of dwarfing plants, particularly trees, has been a subject of interest for centuries. The practice of dwarfing trees involves manipulating their growth through various methods such as pruning, root restriction, and grafting, resulting in smaller-sized specimens with proportionally smaller leaves and fruits.

The reference to the Chinese manner of dwarfing the pine tree alludes to the rich tradition of bonsai cultivation in Chinese horticulture. Bonsai, which translates to "tray planting," is a Japanese art form that originated from the Chinese practice of penjing. In both traditions, the cultivation of miniature trees is regarded as a highly skilled and revered art form, with techniques passed down through generations. Through careful pruning, training, and cultivation, these trees are shaped to evoke the appearance of their full-sized counterparts in nature, albeit in a much smaller scale.

The commercial value attached to the dwarfed pine tree mentioned in the quote underscores the significance of horticultural practices in shaping not only the aesthetic appeal but also the economic value of certain plant species. This aligns with Robert Fortune's broader contributions to the understanding and cultivation of plants, particularly through his extensive travels and explorations in East Asia, where he collected and introduced numerous plant species to the Western world.

The specific mention of grafting the dwarfed pine on a variety of the stone pine highlights the technique of grafting as a means to propagate and cultivate desirable traits in plants. Grafting involves joining the tissues of two different plants to create a new, hybrid plant that inherits characteristics from both parent plants. In this context, grafting the small species of pinus onto the stone pine likely aimed to combine the desirable dwarfing characteristics with the sturdy and resilient qualities of the stone pine, further enhancing the commercial and horticultural value of the resulting plant.

Overall, this quote encapsulates the intersection of horticultural techniques, aesthetic appreciation, and commercial value in the context of cultivating and propagating a prized species of pine tree. It serves as a testament to the enduring fascination and ingenuity associated with the art and science of horticulture, as well as the cultural exchange and influence of horticultural practices across different regions and traditions.