FRUIT CULTURE. 753 



Splice Grafting. &quot;With this method of -grafting it is essential that the branch to be 

 grafted correspond precisely with that of the scion, so that the two pieces of wood perfectly 

 fit the bark, joining evenly. There should be a smooth, sloping cut made upward on the 

 stalk, and downward on the scion. When laid, the one upon the other, and the inner bark 

 of the one corresponds exactly with that of the other, bind them firmly together with a flat 

 strand that will not cut into the bark, and cover the wound entirely with grafting wax, 

 extending the covering of wax fully an inch above and below the place of joining. The 

 two form a union quite readily when skillfully performed, leaving scarcely any wound to 

 heal. 



Saddle Grafting. In saddle grafting, the end of the stock is cut into the form of a 

 tapering wedge, and the end of the scion cut upward to fit it perfectly, so that the inner bark 

 of the one may fit that of the other. The wound is then wound with strips or bands, and the 

 whole covered with grafting wax, as in methods previously described. This mode offers the 

 largest surface for the junction of the scion and stock, and is generally attended with success 

 where other methods have failed. 



Side Grafting. Side grafting has been attended with excellent results in the mag 

 nolia and other trees difficult of propagation; also where the grafting has been delayed until 

 quite late in the spring. It consists of cutting a slit from one to two inches in length in the 

 bark at the side of the stock, and cutting the scion in the form of a slender wedge, so paring 

 it that in inserting there will be a union of the bark and wood, leaving the top of the branch 

 to maintain the circulation of the sap until the graft has become well united, when the stock 

 should be cut away. 



Root Grafting is a mode sometimes practiced where the object is to increase the 

 variety rapidly, or where other means of propagation are not available. In such cases the 

 scion is grafted directly upon a portion of the root of some suitable stock, the latter being of 

 sufficient size to furnish nourishment to the scion, although the best results are generally 

 attained when both scion and root are rather small. The tops of the roots to be grafted 

 should be cut down close to the crown; then cut the roots into pieces from four to eight 

 inches long. The scions are then cut into pieces three to four inches in length. The scion 

 and the root should be as near the same size as possible where they join, so that the bark 

 will come together on both sides. The fitting of the surfaces to be joined may be according 

 to whip or tongue grafting, splice grafting, or saddle grafting, as previously described. 

 Grafting paper may be made by melting together one pound of rosin, one-half pound of 

 beeswax, and one-half pound of tallow, which, when well melted and mixed, spread while hot 

 upon one side of a newspaper with a brush, and when cold cut the waxed paper up into strips 

 half an inch wide. &quot;Wind a strip of this waxed paper around where the root and scion joins 

 to hold them in place, and insert them in a pot of fine, moist soil, being sure to press the root 

 and scion firmly together, and have them held tightly in place. If the waxed paper does not 

 stick well at first, place it in the warm sun or near a fire, but not sufficiently near to melt the 

 wax. They will need to be handled carefully, not to be misplaced. If the buds of the root 

 and scion do not match on both sides, which is the best way if possible, it is very essential 

 that they should on one side. In covering with soil, all but the upper buds of the scion 

 should be covered, so that the lower ones or the wound may not be exposed to the 

 atmosphere. When grown together, they can be transplanted whenever desired. Eoot 

 grafting may be done in winter, and the grafts properly labeled, packed away until the time 

 of setting in the spring, in boxes in fine soil, or sand and sawdust, putting the boxes in a cool, 

 damp place in the cellar, where they will not freeze or commence to grow. They should be 

 examined occasionally, and if the buds show any signs of shriveling moisten slightly with 

 water. New varieties of grapes may be grafted upon the roots of wild grapes or the common. 



