50 THE PLUM IN KANSAS. 



from cuttings, for root-grafting, and secured a good stand. For cher- 

 ries, imported Mazzard stocks are used. Both plum and cherry stocks 

 are packed away in thin layers, with earth between the layers, in a 

 cool cellar. Only one scion is used to each root ; piece-root grafting 

 does not give a good stand with the plum and cherry. 



The method used is that known as "side-grafting" or '•'wedge- 

 grafting," and the scion is inserted at the collar. By collar, is meant 

 the neck or line of junction between the stem and root. The scion is 

 cut wedge shaped at the lower end with a perfectly true and straight 

 cut, so it will fit snugly into the incision in the stock. The length of 

 this wedge cut, one and one-half to two inches, depends on the size 

 of the scion, a large scion requiring a long cut. The scion should 

 contain about four buds besides the bud at the base or beginning of 

 the wedge cut. The stock should have a ring of bark left above the 

 incision. No wood is removed from the incision — simply a lateral cut 

 long enough to receive the scion, cutting about two-thirds through 

 the stock ; and care is exercised to cut across the grain slightly, so as 

 to avoid splitting the wood. Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife ; a com- 

 mon shoe knife does as good work as any. If the incision in the stock 

 is properly made, the scion will be held very firmly by the natural 

 spring or elasticity of the wood. In cutting the scion, make the in- 

 side of the wedge cut thinner than the outside, so that the scion will 

 fit neatly ; but this is often overdone, so that there is too great pres- 

 sure on the cambium layer (layer between the wood and bark) for 

 proper union. So, make the inside of the wedge cut very slightly, if 

 at all, thinner than the outside. The vital point to be noticed is that 

 the inner barks of the scion and stock must be brought together, so 

 the union can be made when growth begins. 



Some device must be used to hold the seedling firmly while mak- 

 ing the incision. The most convenient one for the grafting bench is 

 simply half of a barrel stave fastened at the further end with a leather 

 hinge. At the end next the grafter a strong wire is fastened around 

 and passed through a hole in the grafting bench and fastened to a 

 treadle below. In this manner the seedling is held very firmly. To 

 prevent injury to the seedling, put a striio of leather on points of con- 

 tact on inner edges of the stave and on top edge of grafting bench. 



Three men work best together — two to graft, and one to wind, wax, 

 and pack. After grafting, the point of union is wound three or four 

 times at top and bottom with waxed thread, and alcoholic plastic ap- 

 plied with the thumb and finger. The plastic must also be applied to 

 the tip of the scion to prevent drying out. The grafts as waxed are 

 run through sand so they will not stick together, and then packed 

 away in a mixture of about one-half sand and one-half earth, in boxes. 



