GRAFTING AND NURSERIES. 



243 



quite so high; in September the roots are removed a second 

 time, if necessary, the raffia which has not rotted away is 

 cut, and the joint is left completely exposed to the air and 

 sun so as to lignify and harden. 



(d) Care to be given to Grafts. At the beginning of winter 

 the joint may be left exposed to the air, especially if well 

 lignified. But it is preferable to 

 earth up the soil again, so as to 

 guard it against the possible 

 effects of winter frosts. This 

 precaution is specially necessary 

 in the cold regions of the centre 

 and east of France, where the 

 grafts grow tardily, and are not 

 always well lignified when the 

 first winter frosts appear. 



In the following spring the 

 soil is removed from the stump, 

 and the joint left exposed to the air. 



The stock is frequently smaller 

 than the scion in diameter, 

 especially for Riparia, Solonis ; 

 and, for this reason, it is liable to 

 be broken by wind. A well- 

 knitted graft never breaks at the 

 joint, but always below. This 

 accident may be avoided by tying 

 the plant firmly to a stake. 



Pinching is useless, although 

 harmless. 



It goes without saying that 

 the young shoots, which are 

 tender, and therefore very sensi- 

 tive to cryptogamic diseases, 

 should be carefully treated, to 

 prevent mildew. 



In nurseries, grafting on- grow- 

 ing stocks is performed in the 

 same way, and the same care and 

 attention are necessary. 



We have assumed in the fore- Liberated Graff.' "a) Strong scion 



:going that the stock had been roots - ( t & roots f 



