GEXKKAL PRACTICE. GRAFTING. lf? 



stick at the junction of the graft and the scion at one or two places above, so that 

 no wind can move it. In July, or never later than August, pare off neatly the stump or 

 inwardly- slanting extremity of the stock, giving it a very gentle slope in the opposite 

 direction, that is, away from the scion, and neither allow shoots to grow from the stem 

 nor suckers from its base. 



If the trees are required with a clean stem, or one strong upright growth, pinch 

 off the ends of all the young shoots, except the lowest, at the eighth to the tenth leaf. 

 The shoot springing from the lowest bud of the scion just above the stock will make 

 the best growth if so encouraged. This can be made the leader of all low forms of 

 trees. Even apples and pears are prudently treated in that way, though they may form 

 good trees by allowing the highest shoot to become the leader, but stone fruits are seldom 

 made into healthy well-furnished trees by the upper shoot of the graft. The bark 

 on the upper part of the scion becomes indurated, and the shoots there produced are 

 feeble, and do not recover, through an inadequate supply of foliage. Growth from the 

 lowest bud causes a speedy covering of the head of the stock, leaving no wound, and 

 trees without wounds are healthiest. When a good basal shoot is secured to form a 

 stem, cutaway the others in July or August, dressing the wounds with shellac solution. 

 During the first summer, nothing further is needed beyond examining the ligatures, 

 and loosening them if required. 



Grafting operations are somewhat tedious in description, but the work is quickly 

 done when learned. Expertness is the result of intelligent practice. The chief thing 

 is to work systematically, making the cuts at one stroke with the knife. Taking off 

 shavings whittles time away, but first attempts are necessary, and these should be made 

 experimentally. A few pieces of green wood two or more years old as stocks, and 

 small twigs of one or two years' growth as scions, a sharp knife, and a little tying 

 material, will enable any youth or person of ordinary intelligence to learn the art of 

 grafting by the fireside, and it certainly ought to be learned by every one who intends 

 to engage in fruit growing or gardening. Grafting that occasions raising the bark on 

 thick stems is not easily practised indoors, but it may be effected by soaking the stocks 

 in tepid water ; then if the sap will not run, insert the lower end of the stock in the fire, 

 which causes the water to ascend, and insures the bark parting freely from the wood. 

 Our American friends are expert grafters, and work young trees at the bench, where all 

 necessary appliances are provided, one man and a helper turning out three thousand 

 apple trees properly grafted and waxed in ten hours. An amateur grafter in this 



