340 PLAIN AND PLEASANT TALK 



be taken for grafting purposes and the stocks put away in 

 cellars, or buried in the ground. 



We do not know that there is any difference in favor of 

 the root of one variety over another ; but it will not do to 

 propagate every variety of fruit by this method. Expei i- 

 ence has shown that some sorts do better by root grafting 

 than in any other way; but other kinds are very apt to 

 be winter-killed ; and some varieties have such a straggling 

 habit of growth, that it would be extremely difficult to train 

 them to a good head ; and such sorts, therefore, require to 

 be budded or grafted high up on good stocks. 



The roots being w r ashed, are cut into four or five inch 

 pieces; and the scions prepared as for ordinary grafting. 

 Splice, or tongue grafting is the most convenient method. 

 Woollen yarn, cut to ten or twelve inches length, is wound 

 around it closely at the point of junction. Let the grafting 

 wax be kept in a melted state, by being put in a pan, over 

 a few coals. Holding the work over the pan, with a spoon 

 pour a portion of the liquid all over the yarn ; it hardens 

 immediately, and the whole may be set in rows in a box 

 and covered above the point of union with moist sand, 

 and kept in a cellar till it is time to turn them out in the 

 spring. 



THE cherry, plum, pear and apple trees, in a diseased 

 condition, will often throw up numerous and thrifty 

 sprouts that will offer to an inexperienced cultivator invit 

 ing temptations to multiply his stock at a rapid rate 

 with little labor. If he be deceived by these appearances, 

 and propagate his valuable kinds upon these diseased 

 growths, his efforts will ultimately result in his disappoint 

 ment. 



