184 SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENS 



from the stub. Split the end with a broad chisel or 

 grafting tool. Spread the cleft with a wedge so that the 

 scion may be inserted. Cut the scion in the shape of a 

 rather long wedge. The lowest bud on the scion should 

 be near the top of the stock. Place the scion so that 

 the inner layer of the bark will meet the inner layer of 

 bark of the stock. It is well to make the wedge-shaped 

 part of the scion a little thicker along one edge than 

 along the other, and to set it so that the thicker edge is 

 the one whose bark meets the bark of the stock. Care- 

 fully cover all cut surfaces and every part of the cleft 

 with grafting wax. 



APPLES 



Study the kinds of apples produced in your locality. 

 If you can have but few trees, select enough of different 

 varieties to give a succession during the summer. In 

 selecting winter apples, choose some for early use and 

 other varieties for late spring use. If your place is large 

 enough to plant for market, choose standard varieties 

 that do well in your particular kind of soil and climate. 



Cultivation. Cultivate the soil regularly during the 

 spring and summer. Garden crops or small fruits may be 

 grown between the trees for two or three years. In July 

 or August sow a cover crop on the ground. Clover, cow- 

 peas, and vetch are preferable, because they take free 

 nitrogen from the air and add it to the soil. Rye and oats 

 are also valuable, since they take up nitrogen that is in 

 the soil and keep it until the next season. 



