GRAFTING WAXES, WOUND DRESSINGS, ETC. 



22 3 



occur (because of improper handling), it may be re-melted 

 and re-worked. Usually the wax is made into balls or 

 sticks for convenient use. It will keep indefinitely. 

 Linseed oil for making grafting waxes must be free from 

 adulterations such as cottonseed oil. 



Alcoholic waxes are considered too soft to stand the 

 heat of American summers. They melt and run. For 

 winter work for covering wounds and for bridge grafting, 

 their softness is an advantage. To make them the resin 

 is melted slowly, tallow added and the kettle removed 

 from the fire. When cooled somewhat, alcohol (and tur- 

 pentine when in the recipe) is added. Stirring continues 

 from the adding of tallow till the mixture is nearly cold. 



FIG. 184 SMITH'S IMPROVED METHOD OF GRAFTING 



A, old and defective "rind" grafting; B, large branches with graft in position, 

 a, b, other views of graft; C, small branches grafted ready for waxing; D, com- 

 pleted graft; E, large graft one year old; F, small graft one year old. 



286. Waxed string used in root grafting is made by 

 placing balls of No. 18 or 20 knitting cotton in hot resin 

 wax, turning them for a few minutes, removing and let- 

 ting them drain and cool. Before immersing, the outside 

 end of each ball should be definitely located where it can 

 readily be found, else unwinding will be difficult. This 

 string is used mainly for tying root grafts. It is strong 

 enough to make a tight wind, yet weak enough to break 

 without hurting the hands. It does not need to be tied, 

 since it readily sticks. 



