462 Bulletin 77. 



large stocks are being worked, for in them the grain is generally 

 considerably twisted. But in order to insure success the layers 

 should come together in at least one point. This will be enough 

 to insure the " taking " of the graft, but the growth may not be 

 very strong, and the union will naturally be rather weak for the 

 first year or two. If the cambium layers are in proper condition 

 and in close contact for a considerable distance, a strong union and 

 a vigorous growth will result. 



Condition of cion and stock. — The condition of the cion and of 

 the stock must also be considered, for it is of the greatest impor- 

 tance that these should be in a proper state as regards the com- 

 parative activity of the cambium layers. The cion should in all 

 cases be dormant or practically so. If it is not dormant the cam- 

 bium cells will have become accustomed to a certain supply of 

 sap, and any serious reduction in this supply will be followed by 

 a check which may be fatal. Such a check would take place if an 

 active stem be cut and inserted upon a stock that is unable to 

 supply the accustomed amount of nourishment ; or even if the 

 sap of the stock is in active flow the comparatively slight transfer 

 of material which could be made immediately after an operation 

 would be insufficient to supply the demands of the cion. 



The stock ma}^ be more or less active, however, at the time of 

 the grafting, provided the cion be inactive. A dormant cion re- 

 quires but little nourishment, and if the stock satisfies these needs 

 that is all that is required. The operations should be successful 

 provided the flow from the stock is not so heavy that the cion will 

 be " drowned out." Such a flow occurs while the first growth in 

 spring is taking place, and cions should be inserted either before 

 it begins or immediately after the most energetic action has ceased. 



Seasons for grafting. — Grape grafting ma}^ be performed in the 

 fall, early in the spring before the heavy flow of sap begins, or . 

 during late spring when the sap is no longer so active ; opinions 

 are divided as to which is the best season of the year. If the 

 work is done in the fall, the time for the uniting of the two por- 

 tions before active growth begins is very long and on this account 

 the chances of success are better. But the danger of accident 

 during the winter must be taken into account to offset this advant- 

 age. When the grafts are made below ground, as is commonly 



