BRIDGE GRAFTING FRUIT TREES. 127 



drying out. Some operators cover the entire wound, scions 

 and all, with melted wax. Where the bridged portion is below 

 or near the ground, many operators conserve moisture by cover- 

 ing the grafts with earth. 



Bridging From the Ground. — Where the wound is so large 

 as to make ordinary bridge grafting impossible, another method 

 of bridging may be used. Two-year-old trees are planted about 

 the base of the injured tree and their tops grafted into its trunk 

 above the girdled space, which has first been cleaned as in 

 the other method. As the tops of the small trees are too large 

 to manipulate readily in the manner described for scions, V- 

 shaped vertical grooves extending through the cambium are 

 cut just above the wounded area in the bark of the tree to be 

 treated. The tops of the small trees are shaped to correspond 

 with these grooves. The two are then accurately fitted to- 

 gether in such a manner as to bring the cambium of one into 

 contact with that of the other. Small nails may be driven 

 through the tops of the trees into the trunk, to hold the parts 

 firmly together. The wounds incident to joining the tops of the 

 small trees to the trunk of the large one should be well covered 

 with wax, to prevent drying out. Sometimes cord is tied 

 around the trunk to aid in holding the tops of the young trees 

 in proper position. 



Investigations of Temperatures of Fruit in Transit. — The results 

 of fruit-handling investigations during the past few seasons show that the 

 most important factor in determining the condition of either fruits or 

 vegetables in transit and after arrival on the market is the temperature 

 maintained in refrigerator cars during transportation. All fresh fruit is 

 alive, and the life activities continue with greater or less rapidity until it 

 goes into consumption; the temperatures maintained in transit determine 

 to a great degree both the rate of ripening and the development of fungi 

 and other decay-producing organisms. 



The investigations during the past season have had mainly in view the 

 improvement of refrigerator-car equipment, especially as regards insulation 

 and facilities for free air circulation. The results of the work thus far 

 have shown that through certain modifications in the ice bunkers, through 

 the use of racks or false floors, and through better insulation, it is entirely 

 practicable to increase the efficiency of refrigeration and to haul larger 

 loads of fruit than formerly and with a lesser ice consumption. — U. S. 

 Dept. Agri. 



