TOP-GRAFTING OLD TREES. 



123 



Every man who owns an orchard of any extent should be 

 able to do his own grafting. The most important factor in 

 the top-grafting of an old tree is the shaping of the top. 

 The old top is to be removed during three or four or five 

 years, and a new one is to be grown in its place. If the 

 tree is old, the original plan or shape of the top will have 



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127. Top-grafted old tree. 



to be followed in its general outlines. The branches 

 should be grafted, as a rule, where they do not exceed an 

 inch and a half in diameter, as cions do better in such 

 branches, the wounds heal quickly, and the injury to the 

 tree is less than when very large stubs are used. The op- 

 erator should endeavor to cut all the leading stubs at 



