262 ANNUAL EEPORT 



the wedge should also be somewhat thicker than the inner. The 

 stock is sawed off at the point for grafting, and if an inch or less in 

 diameter a sloping cut is made on one side of the stock about one 

 inch and a half long, and coming about to the center. The stock 

 is split by laying a chisel or knife on the horizontal surface and 

 striking it lightly with a hammer or mallet, and the split is kept 

 open with the knife or chisel until the scion is inserted with the 

 bud and thickest side out, and then well waxed over. Grafts of 

 this kind make a better union than where two scions are used. On 

 stocks of large size use two scions, cutting one away in a year or 

 two. The inner bark of the scion and stock must meet in this 

 method same as in whip grafting. Some grafters spread the tops 

 outward and cross the inner bark to be more sure of connection. 



PROTECTION. 



After the orchard is planted some protection will be beneficial. 

 To protect the trunk from the fierce rays of the sun upon the 

 southwest side, set a stake or narrow strip of board a few inches 

 from the tree, to remain until the top has grown sufficient to shade 

 the trunk from the direct rays of the sun, or if it can be afforded, 

 plant an evergreen about three feet from the tree on that side, and 

 never let it get higher than the lower branches of the fruit tree» 

 always cutting the stray branches back, which will not hurt them 

 but cause them to thicken up their foliage. Evergreens do not sap 

 the ground of moisture like deciduous trees and will shield the 

 surface and the tree from the hot rays of the sun. All young 

 trees should have a mound of soil thrown up about them in the 

 fall, say ten or twelve inches high, and removed in spring. This 

 affords protection to the roots from frost, carries the water away 

 from rains and melting snow, prevents the tree swaying in the 

 wind and looseing the bark at the surface of the ground. It also 

 serves as a protection against mice, that are one of the worst pests 

 we have to contend with. They delight to work under the loose 

 snow and feed upon the bark of the tree, but seldom work above 

 it. " Winter mulching " with old straw, hay or leaves, is always 

 a good winter protection for the roots. Rabbits are another pest 

 to the orchard, frequently destroying v, hole orchards by gnawing 

 the bark, which is a favorite food of theirs. A boy, dog and gun 

 are a good protection. Smearing the trees with blood or rubbing 

 the trunk with raw liver will usually save them. Wrapping thick 

 paper about the trunk or winding with hay rope is effectual. For 



