64 



PROPAGATION OF PLANTS BY DIVISION 



The stocks for young nursery trees are grown from seeds, 

 started in beds or rooms early in the spring. Conditions for their 

 rapid growth should be made as favorable as possible. After they 

 have made one season's growth they are usually taken up. 



For root grafting, the seedlings are dug in the fall, tied in 

 bundles and stored carefully in a cellar for winter use. But if they 

 are to be grafted at or near the crown they are reset in open rows 

 to be worked the second season. 



FIG. 55. Sweet cherry trees during their first season's growth in the nursery Wind- 

 sor on the right, Lambert on the left. The former variety usually develops a few branches 

 the first season as indicated, but most other sweet varieties grow the first season without 

 branching as is the case here with the Lambert. (U. S. D. A.) 



Whip or Tongue Grafting is one of the most common methods 

 employed. It is used extensively in root-grafting of apple trees 

 (Fig. 56). The work may be done in a cellar during the winter 

 season. The process is only slightly more difficult than that of 

 budding. The tops are cut from the seedlings and destroyed. 

 The roots and scions must be protected from the air to keep them 

 moist during the process. 



Make long sloping cuts across the lower end of the scion and 

 the upper part of the root. This should be done with a very sharp 

 knife. Then make secondary cuts forming tongues on each piece, 



