20 



Large trees should not be entirely changed over in one year. The 

 first year select the main branches ; the second year part of the remainder, 

 and finish the third year. In this way much of the annoyance caused 

 by the growth of water sprouts is avoided. 



A handy grafting iron made from a blacksmith's old file. 



When cutting off large branches for cleft grafting it is wise to cut 

 twice, making the first cut a few inches above the position chosen for 

 the scion. Then cut off the stub at the desired point, and avoid the 

 danger of tearing the bark. With a chisel or grafting iron split the 

 branch just far enough to admit the scions. Too deep a split weakens 

 the stock, and the scions will not be held sufficiently firm. It is well to 

 avoid grafting two horizontal limbs, one directly above the other. The 

 tendency of new growth is upward, and the growths from the lower one 

 will interfere with the upper. In branches, other than those growing 

 perfectly upright, the split should be made parallel to, rather than at 

 right angles to the ground. 



The scion should be made wedge-shaped, with bevel about one inch 

 long, starting at each side just at the base of a bud. Make the scion 

 three buds long, cutting off just above the third bud. It should be cut 

 a little thicker on the side next to the bud, so that the stock may pinch 

 tightly on that side to insure a close contact of the cambium layers. 



Open the cleft with the wedge end of the grafting chisel and insert 

 one or two scions, as may be thought necessary. Place the lower bud 

 of the scion to the outside. Do not force the scion down, but open the 

 cleft by enough leverage on the chisel to admit the scion freely. Setting 

 the scion with the top pointing slightly outward insures contact in at least 

 one point. After setting the scions, cover all wounds with wax. 



It is sometimes necessary to remove part of the water-sprouts, which 

 usually start during the summer, to give the scions room for proper 

 development. By the following spring the scions should have . made 

 sufficient growth to require all space in that part of the tree, and all 

 other growth should be removed. 



SUNSCALD. 



Sunscald is an injury to trees which occurs most frequently in the 

 northern districts. It is most serious on young trees, but may also 



