240 AMERICAN HOME GARDEN. 



GRAFTING MORTAR. 



What is called grafting mortar is made either by mixing 

 strong loam or clay with an indefinite proportion of horse-dung 

 or cut straw, or both, working it up to the consistence of mor- 

 tar thoroughly and repeatedly to toughen it. When required 

 for use, it should be a little stiffer than potter's clay. 



Instead of the above, equal parts of strong loam and cow-dung 

 may be used, to be prepared and applied in the same manner. 



AFTER-TREATMENT. 



Newly-set grafts should be watched throughout the season, 

 to stop and restop any holes or cracks which the heat of sum- 

 mer or the swelling growth may occasion in the coating which 

 defends them, and to slacken the bandages by cutting them 

 through at the back of the stock whenever there is danger of 

 their cutting into the stock or graft. The growth of the graft 

 should also be observed, and a proper form and direction given 

 to it by nipping or tying up, as may be found necessary. 



In addition to these precautions, young stocks budded or 

 grafted should be kept carefully clear of natural or stock shoots, 

 all of which must be removed as soon as they appear. The 

 hand, defended by a stout glove, may be rubbed harshly around 

 or down the stock while they are yet quite tender, and it is done. 



But larger and older trees require different treatment. Only 

 a part of the limbs of a large tree should be grafted at one 

 time, so that there may be a sufficient supply of leaves pro- 

 duced to effect a healthful circulation in the. tree ; and, for 

 the same reason, much of the young growth may be suffered to 

 remain upon the limbs that are grafted, to keep those parts 

 in vigor. If these precautions are neglected, the full graft- 

 ing of a large tree will generally kill it, or portions of it. 

 But, on the other hand, the moment it is seen that the grafts 

 have taken, care must be given that no strong, gluttonous 

 shoots are put forth near them, but all such as seem likely 

 to become stronger than the graft growth should be nipped 

 from time to time, to check them and strengthen it. 



In succeeding years, the remaining limbs may be grafted, 



