PRINCIPLES OF VEGETATIOX, ETC. 



121 



B 



This mixture is applied in a hot liquid state, but not so hot as to affect the 

 tissues of the tree ; it is laid over the graft in coatings by meanu of a brush, 

 until sufficiently thick for the purpose. 



261 . In Cleft or Tongue-grafting, the crown of the stock is cut across, and 



a longitudinal wedge-shaped slit, 

 e, is made about four inches long, 

 according to the size and vigour of 

 the intended graft ; this cleft is 

 kept open by a wooden wedge until 

 the scion is prepared. The scion 

 is then selected, having a bud, a, 

 at its summit ; and the lower part 

 of it is shaped with the knife so 

 as to fit the slit in the stock. The 

 double-tongue graft only differs 

 from the first in having two grafts 

 in place of one ; and it is prefer- 

 able, when the size of the stock 

 permits of its use ; the wound 

 heals more quickly, and the 

 chances of success are greater 

 than in the single graft. 



262. In placing the graft, it is to be observed that the top, whether single 

 or double, should incline lightly inwards, as at e ; thus leaving the lower 

 extremity slightly projecting, as at/, in order that the inner bark of the graft 

 and stock may be in direct contact with each other. Finally, bind the whole, 

 and cover it over, from the summit ot the stock to the bottom of the cleft, with, 

 clay or grafting-paste, as directed in par. 259. 



263. In Double-graftinf), where they both take, it is necessary to suppress 

 the least vigorous as soon as the wound is completely closed, especiallj'^ in 

 the case of standard trees ; otherwise the head gets formed of two parts com- 

 pletely estranged from each other. Diu-ing the first twelve days after tho 

 operation, protect the head from the action of the air and 



the heat of the sun by some kind of shade. A square piece 

 of paper, twisted into the shape of a bag, such as grocers 

 use for small quantities of sugar, answers very well for this 

 purpose, protecting itat the same time from the attacks 

 of insects ; and when they begin to grow, protect the graft 

 from being disturbed by the wind, or by birds lighting on 

 it, by attaching it to some fixed object. A perch formed 

 of an osier rod, having both ends tied firmly to the stock, 

 and having the yoimg shoot attached to it, as in the engrav- 

 ing, will serve both purposes. 



264. When the young scion begins to grow, it is necessary to suppress all buds- 

 which develop themselves on the stem, below it, beginning at the base, and 



