TOP-GRAFTING OLD TREES. 



125 



should not be grafted, for it is the habit of grafts to grow 

 upright rather than horizontal in the direction of the 

 branch ; and it is well to split all stubs on such branches 

 horizontally, that one cion may not stand directly under 

 another. The habit of growth of the cion is well shown 

 in Fig. 129. This illustrates the form and direction of the 

 original branch, and also the direction which the yearling 

 grafts have taken. It is evident, therefore, that a top-grafted 

 tree is narrower and denser in top than the tree originally 



was, and that careful pruning 

 is required to keep it suffi- 

 ciently open. Each graft is 

 virtually a new tree-top placed 

 into the tree, and for this rea- 



^ 



129. Showing the upright direction of a graft in a horizontal limb. 



son, if for no other, the common practice of grafting old 

 trees close down in the large limbs is seen to be pernicious 

 Top-grafting is performed in spring. The best time is 

 when the leaves are pushing out, as wounds made then heal 

 quickly, and cions are most apt to live. But when a large 

 amount of grafting must be done, it is necessary to begin a 

 month, or even two, before the leaves start. On the other 

 hand, the operation can be extended until a month or more 

 after the leaves are full-grown, but such late cions make a 

 short growth, which is likely to perish the following winter. 

 Professional grafters usually divide their men into three 



