THE NURSERY-BOOK. 



base is inserted. It is particularly adapted to jlarge stocks and 

 is the method universally employed for top-grafting old trees. 



Fig. 77 represents the 

 operation. The end of 

 the stock, technically 

 called a "stub," is usu- 

 ally large enough to ac- 

 commodate two cions, one 

 upon either side. In fact, 

 it is better to use two 

 cions, not only because 

 they double the chances 

 of success but because 

 they hasten the healing of 

 the stub. Cleft-grafting 

 is at best a harsh process, 

 especially upon large 

 limbs, and its evils should 

 be mitigated as much as 

 possible. In common 

 practice, the cion (Fig. 

 i/8) contains three buds, 



Fig. 76. Veneer-graft. 



the lowest one standing 

 just above the wedge por- 

 tion. This lowest bud is usually entirely covered with wax, but 

 it pushes through without difficulty. In fact, being nearest the 

 source of food and most protected, its chances of living are 

 greater than those of the higher buds. The sides of the cion 

 must be cut smoothly and evenly. A single draw cut on each 

 side with a sharp blade is much better than two or three partial 

 cuts. A good grafter makes a cion by three strokes of the knife, 

 one to cut off the cion and two to shape it. The outer edge of 

 the wedge should be a little thicker than the inner one so that 

 the stock will bind upon it and hold it firm at the point where 

 the union first takes place. These cions are taken in late fall or 

 winter, and kept in the same manner as directed for whip-graft- 

 ing on pages 77 and 78. 



