OF FRUIT TREES. 37 



fact that early and late apples, by being grafted on 

 the same tree, improved in size and flavour more than 

 if but one kind grew on a tree. It should be observ- 

 ed, as a rule, nevei to employ suckers from old trees 

 as stocks for grafts, or buds, as they have a constant 

 tendency to generate suckers, and thereby injure the 

 growth of the tiees, 



MODES OF GRAFTING. 



The mode of performing this operation is varied, 

 according to the size and situation of the stock to be 

 employed. The small stocks in the nursery, if of 

 such kind as produce an erect strong stem, are usually 

 grafted within or near the surface of the earth, in 

 which case, the mould is brought round them in the 

 form of a little hillock, and nothing more is required. 

 When the stock is naturally inclined to branch out 

 horizontally, the preferable mode is to insert the bud 

 or graft high enough to form a handsome head or top. 

 In this mode of operating, it is necessary to employ 

 some kind of composition or covering in order to se- 

 cure from injury by the weather, or influence of the 

 sun. The following is commonly used : A quantity 

 of clay or stiff loam is to be worked fine and mixed 

 with coarse horse-dung. It should be prepared a day 

 or two before hand, and be beat up with a little water 

 as needed. This should be applied closely round the 

 parts in the form of a collar, or ball, tapering at both 

 ends, the upper end being applied close!} to the graft, 

 and the under to the stock. The following composi- 

 tions are preferred by some operators: Three pints 

 of tar, one pound beeswax, melted together, and while 

 cooling stir in one pound of red or yellow ochre. 

 Or another Four parts rosin, two parts beeswax, and 

 one part tallow, melted together. This may be warm- 

 ed and spread on narrow strips of rag or paper, and 

 *4 



