EXERCISE 44 



CLEFT GRAFTING 



Materials. An apple tree upon the branches of which it is desired 

 to graft another variety ; scions of the desired variety ; saw ; sharp 

 pocket knife ; hammer and chisel ; grafting wax. 



Grafting wax may commonly be purchased from stores which 

 deal in garden and orchard supplies, but it may also be prepared in 

 the laboratory without difficulty. One method given is as follows : 



Common rosin 7 parts 



Beeswax 2 parts 



Beef tallow 1 part 



Melt the ingredients together over a slow fire, stirring thoroughly 

 until well mixed. Then pour the melted mass into a pail or tub of 





Two Methods of Grafting 



cold water. Grease the hands with tallow, and with the hands work 

 the mass together in the water. As soon as it is cool enough to stick 

 together remove it from the water and pull like taffy until it has 

 changed color decidedly 'and becomes too stiff to work. Roll it into 

 balls and store away for future use, as it will keep indefinitely. 



Directions for work. A scion is a cutting from a twig of a 

 tree which is to be used for grafting purposes. The twigs must 

 be cut from the trees while in the dormant condition ; that is, 



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