40 PROPAGATIOX OF FRUITS. 



vigorous trees. The graft is always the Qniddle part of each 

 shoot, cut to five or six inches in length, or so as to have four 

 or five good eyes, or buds, but should be preserved at full 

 length till grafting time. 



The proper tools and other materials used in grafting are : 

 1st. A strong knife for cutting off the heads of the stocks 

 previous to the insertion of the graft; also a small /we toothed 

 hand-saw in good order, for occasional use, for cutting ofi" the 

 heads of large stocks. 2. A common grafting-knife, or sharp, 

 strong pocket-knife, for cutting and shaping the grafts ready 

 for insertion ; also to slope and form the stocks ready for the 

 reception of the scions. 3. A flat grafting firmer or chisel, 

 with sloping basils, and small mallet for cleftiiig large stocks. 



4. A quantity of new bass strings, candlewick or other pliable 

 stuff for bandages for securing the grafts when placed above 

 the earth, and promoting their speedy union with the stock. 



5. A quantity of clay for applying closely round the grafts 

 after their insertion and binding, to defend the parts from the 

 influence of the sun, winds, and wet weather (this plaster is 

 applied to grafts at the surface of the earth). According to 

 Mr. C. P. Ilenolds, of Rochester, N. Y., a very good wax for 

 grafting may be made with two pounds of resin, one pound of 

 beeswax, and one pound of tallow. They should be melted 

 together, poured into a tub of cold water, and worked with 

 the hands, until soft and pliable, and as light colored as pos- 

 sible, as dark wax is more liable to melt in the Summer's sun 

 and run off. 



Some recommend using linseed oil in the place of tallow, 

 but I think it makes too dark-colored a wax. 



Another grafting plaster or mortar that answers an excel- 

 lent purpose, is prepared of strong fat loam ; or any other 

 tough clay, to which may be added a fourth part of fresh 

 horse-dung, free from litter, and a small portion of fine 

 hay, cut, or hair, and a little water, well mixed : the whole 

 should be properly beaten with a stick, and thus well incor- 

 porated. 



Thii$ operation should be repeated according to the nature 

 of the clay, and performed several times during the first day ; 



