3^4 



Journal of Agriculture , Victoria. [lo June, 191 i. 



Apple Stocks. 

 Whip-tongue Grafting Method. — Select suitable Northern Spy roots, 

 rinse them carefully in water to remove any dirt, and cut into 4-inch 

 lengths. Care should be taken that no part of the freshly-cut and selected 

 roots is bruised or damaged. When cut, place them all the same way upon 

 the grafting bench. The roots can be cut with a pair of secateurs. Then 

 secure well matured Northern Spy cuttings of one season's growth, and with 

 a sharp knife cut them into lengths the same as the roots. Cut close to the 

 bud upon the terminal end of the cutting, which is termed a .scion. (Fig. 

 toB.) Secateurs, however sharp, are not suitable for cutting .scions. The 



point of the knife should 

 be rounded off as shown 

 in Fig. I. 



When the roots and 

 scions are ready, take a 

 suitable grafting knife 

 with a keen edge and 

 make a clean upward cut 

 about I inch in length at 

 the upper end of the 

 root. Then pass the 

 blade downwards about f 

 inch, forming a slice 

 tongue in appearance. 

 (Fig. loA.) Select a 

 scion the same thickness, 

 or as nearly as possible, 

 as the root. The scion 

 mav be thinner, but not 

 thicker than the root. At 

 the lower end of the scion 

 make a downward cut, the 

 same length as that 

 already made upon the 

 root. Then pass the 

 blade upwards, forming 

 tile slice tongue (Fig. 

 loB), and apply the scion 

 accurately to the root, 

 being careful to see that 

 the inner bark of the 

 scion exactly nt.s the inner 

 bark of the root upon 

 one side, without changing their position. (Fig. loC.) 



Holding the imited graft by the root end with one hand, and with a 

 piece of prepared raffia 16 to 18 inches long, start the tying a little below 

 the cut with the other. Press the flat' of the thumb upon the end of the 

 raffia. Give a turn or two to prevent slii^ping, and bind upwards to a 

 little above the upper end of the union. Finish off with two half-hitches 

 below the upper end. Thoroughly cover the union. (Fig. loD.) Success 

 depends largely upon the tying. If bound too tightly, the tender bark 

 of the root is injured ; or. if too loosely, failure to unite will be the result. 

 On no account allow the inner bark of the scion to become separated from 

 the inner bark of the root whilst tying. 



ROOT GRAFTING Vv'HiP-l OaGUK MEXHOu. 



A. Root ; B. Scion ; C. Hoot an:l scion united ; D. Bound 

 ready for planting ; X. Commencement of tying. 



