24 FRUIT-GARDENING. 



This operation is often performed on Grape-vines, just below 

 the level of the surface, by the usual mode of cleft-grafting. 

 It is also performed on portions or pieces of root where suita- 

 ble stocks are scarce. The illustration on page twenty-three 

 represents the usual mode of root-grafting. The lines O O 

 represent the surface of the ground. The main thing in all 

 kinds of grafting, is to made a " close fit" between the stock 

 and the scion. 



GRAFTING BY APPROACH. 



The trees or shrubs to be grafted in this mode must be 

 growing very near to those which are to furnish the grafts. 

 The limbs or branches of each tree, which are thus to be 

 united, must be pared with a long sloping cut of several 

 inches, nearly to the centre ; and the parts of each tree thus 

 prepared are to be brought together, and finally secured by a 

 bandage of matting, so that the bark shall meet as nearly as 

 possible. The graft may then be covered with clay or compo- 

 sition ; and when a complete union has taken place, the trees 

 or shrubs may be separated with a sharp knife, by cutting off 

 below the junction. 



It may be here observed that, as young grafted trees in the 

 nursery progress in growth, the lower side-limbs should be 

 gradually shortened, but not suddenly close-pruned, as they are 

 essential for a time to strengthen the trunks, and to the up- 

 right and perfect formation of the tree. 



THE BEST TIME TO GRAFT. 



The best time to graft Apple and Pear-trees is, when they 

 are in blossom. At that time, sap flows most abundantly, 

 wounds heal more readily, and the stock and scion are far more 

 likely to unite than when the sap is not so abundant. I have 

 always heard it remarked that Cherry-trees should be grafted 

 before the buds begin to swell. But I have always had far 



