March.] OF GRAFTING. 61 



ander that head. Any time in this or beginning of next 

 mouth will answer to make edgings of these; and if dry 

 weather occurs before they begin to grow after planting, they 

 must have frequent waterings until they have taken fresh 

 root. Thyme requires to be dressed twice during the season, 

 to keep it in order. 



OF GRAFTING. 



There are four methods of grafting. It can be applied to 

 all kinds of shrubbery, choosing a common species from the 

 same genus that the sort belongs to, which is intended to be 

 multiplied. The one we will describe is whip or tongue 

 grafting, which is the preferable and most expeditious plan 

 with all deciduous shrubs or trees. The stock upon which 

 it is performed must be slender, from two-thirds of an inch tc 

 any diameter suitable to the thickness of the graft. Having 

 headed the stock at a clear, smooth part, slope it on one side 

 with a sharp knife at a very acute angle, make a slit on the 

 lower side of the slope about an inch downward to receive 

 the tongue or wedge of the graft or scion. Secondly, having 

 the prepared scions cut into lengths of three, four or five 

 eyes, take one which matches the stock in size, and slope 

 the bottom of it so as to fit the stock, that the rinds of both 

 may correspond exactly, especially on one side and at bottom ; 

 make also a slit upward in the graft, like that in the slope of 

 the stock, so that the one may be inserted in the other as 

 evenly and completely as possible. Let the graft be carefully 

 held in its due position, while a bandage is applied. Take 

 strands of Russian mat, and bind them in a neat manner 

 several times round the stock and graft. Lastly, cover the 

 joint with well-worked clay; coat from half an inch below 

 the bottom of the graft to an inch above the top of the stock, 

 and to the thickness of half an inch all round ; finish it in 

 an oblong globular form, taking care to work it close, that 

 no air may penetrate. If the clay is covered with moss, it 

 will partially prevent it from cracking. 



The grafts will have taken when they begin to grow freely : 



then the clay may be broken off, and the bandage loosened, 



and put on again, but not so tight as formerly; give the 



grafts a stake for support, tying the n thereto to prevent 



6 



