PROPAGATION 49 



up to f inch a modification of the ordinary tongue graft is the 

 best. If the tongue graft were made in the usual way with 

 stocks of this size, it would be necessary to use excessively 

 large scions, which is undesirable, or to have the barks unite 

 only on one side. By cutting the bevel of the stock only part 

 way through the vines, it is possible to make a smaller scion 

 unite on both sides. For still larger vines, those over f inch 

 in diameter, the best graft is the ordinary cleft. 



"No wax or clay should be used on the graft. Anything 

 which completely excludes the air prevents the knitting of 

 the tissues. A little clay, cloth, or a leaf may be placed over 

 the split in the stock when the cleft graft is used, simply to 

 keep out the soil. Otherwise there is nothing more suitable 

 or more favorable to the formation of a good union that can 

 be put around the graft than loose, moist soil. If the soil is 

 clayey, stiff or lumpy, it is necessary to surround the union 

 with loose soil or sand brought from outside the vineyard. 



"It will usually be necessary to tie the grafts. A well- 

 made cleft graft often holds the scion with sufficient force to 

 prevent its displacement and no tying is necessary. Wher- 

 ever there is any danger of the graft moving, however, it should 

 be tied. There is nothing better for this purpose than or- 

 dinary raffia. The raffia should not be bluestoned, as it will 

 last long enough without and will be sure to rot in a few weeks, 

 and the trouble of cutting it will be avoided. Cotton string 

 or anything which will keep the graft in place for a few weeks 

 may also be used. 



"As soon as the graft is made and tied, a stake should be 

 driven and the union covered with a little earth. The hilling 

 up of the graft may be left for a few hours, except in very hot, 

 dry weather. Finally, the whole graft should be covered with 

 a broad hill of loose soil 2 inches above the top of the scion. 



"Field grafting should not be commenced as a rule, except 

 in the hottest and driest localities, before the middle of March. 



