OBSERVATIONS ON GRAFTING. 257 



and become one tree. These shoots are called scions or 

 grafts, and in the choice of them, and the mode of preparing 

 some descriptions of stocks, the following hints are sub- 

 mitted. 



That those scions are best which can be taken from the 

 lateral or horizontal, rather than from the strong perpendicu- 

 lar shoots. The shoots of Apples, &c., should be taken 

 from healthy trees late in Autumn, or before the buds begin 

 to swell in the Spring; and buried half of their length in 

 the ground, or in a cool and dry cellar ; there to remain 

 until the season of grafting. 



For some descriptions of trees, the stocks are headed 

 down near to the ground. In Nurseries, Apples intended 

 for standards, are generally grafted about nine inches high 

 only, allowing them to grow up standard high, and forming 

 their heads upon the second year's shoots. In cider coun- 

 tries, the stock is generally trained up standard high ; and 

 when grown sufficiently large for the purpose, it is grafted 

 the height at which it is intended the head of the tree shall 

 be formed. As respects trees in general, directions will be 

 found under appropriate heads. 



The business of grafting is generally performed in March 

 and April : there are various methods of grafting, but the 

 following are those most generally practised. 



CLEFT GRAFTING. This mode of grafting is generally 

 practised on stocks of from one to two inches in diameter, 

 and may be performed in the following manner : Let the 

 head of the stock be carefully sawed oft' at a part free from 

 knots, and the top pared smooth ; then with a thin knife 

 split down the stock through the centre, to the depth of 

 about two inches, and insert a wedge to keep it open for the 

 reception of the scion. The scion must be prepared in the 

 form of a wedge, with an eye, if possible, in the upper part, 

 and inserted carefully, so that the inner bark of the scion 

 and of the stock may both exactly meet. Large stocks 

 require two scions, one on each side, and sometimes four 

 are inserted. When done, tie them firmly together with bass, 

 and then cover the grafted part with well prepared clay, 

 in an oval form, and close it securely. 



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