PROPAGATION OF PLANTS 



155 



Cleft Grafting. In this method of grafting we saw off or cut off 

 the main limbs of the stock at points where they are sufficiently 

 large to admit of being cleft. Then we cut out a wedge-shaped 



Cleft grafting. 



piece of wood from the center of each branch sufficiently* large to 

 receive the scion. 



Next, we prepare two scions by trimming them to wedge-shaped 

 points so that they will fit into the cleft of the stock, taking care 

 that each scion when placed in position will have at least two buds 

 pointing obliquely upward. See that the cambium layer of the 

 scion coincides with that of the stock, as in d of the diagram, 

 so that the sap from the stock may flow into the scion and furnish 

 it with proper nourishment. Then apply sufficient pressure to 

 insure that union takes place, and carefully protect all exposed 

 surfaces from the action of moisture and sunlight by covering 

 them with a sufficient supply of grafting wax. If these details 

 are carefully worked out we may reasonably expect success to 

 attend our efforts. Grafting wax may be made by melting to- 

 gether one ounce of tallow or linseed oil, four ounces of rosin, and 

 two ounces of beeswax. If the proportion of beeswax and rosin 

 is increased, the grafting wax will be made correspondingly 

 harder. After melting, the mixture should be poured into cold 

 water, and as soon as it can be handled it should be taken from 

 the water and pulled like taffy until it becomes light-colored and 

 pliable. 



