II Dec. 1911.] Propagation of Fruit Trees. 



827 



Preparing Binding. 



When selecting material suitable for binding purposes see that it is 

 strong and pliable. A very suitable material for well cut and carefully 

 united small or medium-sized grafts is the thin brown paper used for wrapping 

 purposes. To test the quality of paper, tear a strip, \ in. wide, and 

 give a few .sharp jerks. If of poor quality it will readily break; but, 

 if suitable for Ijinding, it will withstand a reasonable strain. One good 

 point in favour of using paper is that 

 there is rarely any necessity to ease the 

 binding during the expansion of the scion 

 and stock, as it breaks awav of its own 

 accord. 



When selecting cotton material, see 

 that it will not give too much when 

 dressing and binding. Old calico, oat- 

 meal bags, or similar material will 

 answer the purpose. 



Give the selected material a light 

 dressing on one side with the grafting 

 wax, applying it when melted and hot. 

 Then folcl at once, placing the waxed 

 surfac<> of the material together. It will 

 then l)e ready to cut into the required 

 width and li-ngth (average size — | in 

 X 6 in.). 



Cut with a pair of scissors or a sharp 

 knife. When using the latter, place 

 and cut the waxed material upon a 

 wooden slab or board. Properlv pre- 

 pared waxed paper or calico should 

 readily separate when required for bind- 

 ing. Do not prepare more material 

 than is required for immediate use. It 

 should be sheltered from the rays of the 

 sun. 



Grafting Wax Formula. 



The chiff trouljle when prc])aring thi 



47. result ok i'oor graeting- 

 3 years' growth. 



wax is to niakr il suil.ililc lor b;)tli 



warm and coUl ucalluT. it is likrlv 



in warm weather to be too pliable, and too hard when tlie weather is cold. 



'I'his will b<- avoided bv adopting the following formula : — 



Boil togftlur, until dis.solved, the following : 3 parts resin (pul- 

 verized). 2 [wrts beeswax, and 1 part fat or lard. First place the wax 

 and the fat in the vessel. Be careful that tin- mixture floes not ignite; if 

 it should, do not throw w.iter o\ir it. but Mncllur with a bag or some 

 similar matirial. 



T<j li'st whiihcr tin- prri).irtion is .suitable lor using, paint a little upon 

 a piece of calico or pa|)er; aftiT cooling, fold and press the waxed surface 

 together. If too hard and it will not separate easilv. add a little more 

 fat. If too .soft and will not sti( k, add more resin. Test in a cool place. 



