March.~] OF GRAFTING. 59 



grow after planting, they must have frequent waterings 

 until they have taken fresh root. Thyme requires to be 

 dressed twice during the season to keep it in order. 



OF GRAFTING. 



There are four methods of grafting. It can be applied 

 to all kinds of .shrubbery, choosing a common species from 

 the same genus that the sort belongs to, which is intended 

 to be multiplied. The one we will describe is whip or 

 tongue grafting, which is the preferable and most expe- 

 ditious plan with all deciduous shrubs or trees. The stock 

 upon which it is performed must be slender, from two-thirds 

 of an inch to any diameter suitable to the thickness of the 

 graft. Having headed the stock at a clear smooth part, 

 slope it on one side with a sharp knife at a very acute 

 angle, make a slit on the lower side of the slope about an 

 inch downward, to receive the tongue or wedge of the 

 graft or scion. Secondly, having the prepared scions cut 

 into lengths of 3, 4 or 5 eyes, take one which matches the 

 stock in size, and slope the bottom of it so as to fit the 

 stock, that the rinds of both may correspond exactly, espe- 

 cially on one side and at bottom ; make also a slit upward 

 in the graft, like that in the slope of the stock, so as the 

 one may be inserted in the other as evenly and completely 

 as possible. Let the graft be carefully held in its due po- 

 sition, while a bandage is applied. Take strands of Rus- 

 sian mat, and bind them in a neat manner several times 

 round the stock and graft. Lastly, cover the joint with 

 well-worked clay, coat from half an inch below the bottom 

 of the graft to an inch above the top of the stock, and to 

 the thickness of half an inch all round, finish it in an ob- 

 long globular form, taking care to work it close, that no air 

 may penetrate. If the clay is covered with moss, it will 

 partially prevent it from cracking. 



The grafts will have taken when they begin to grow 

 freely : then the clay may be broken off, and the bandage 

 loosened, and put on again, but not so tight as formerly ; 

 give the drafts a stake for support, tying them thereto to 

 prevent accidents from the wind. Allow no shoots to arise 

 from the stock. 



