, 



52 AZALEA CULTURE. 



Use none but good healthy plants for stocks. Let the 

 grafts be the same. 



Figure 21 represents the stock with the top taken off, 

 the opening is made in the stock and the graft placed. I 

 use what is termed by florists a wedge graft. Cut the stock 

 right through the middle of the stem, as the engraving 

 shows, but only allow this cut to be a quarter of an inch or 

 less down. A good knife is best to use 

 here. 



Take the young graft which is intended 

 for the stock, not allowing it to be more 

 than half an inch in length. Slice the 

 smallest portion of wood from each side. 

 If the graft is so young and soft that the 

 knife will not pare it, then scrape it. Only 

 the smallest portion of the wood is to be 

 taken from the piece which is intended for 



" " & " : the graft. 



How to insert 



the graft. Insert the graft and tie with thread, and 



it should have the appearance of figure 22. This operation 

 is now complete. 



As soon as there are a dozen, or even less, grafted, 

 remove them to the frame. 



The wood being very soft they will not stand erect long 

 without being in a close place. 



If they wilt down at this time, both labor and time have 

 been spent for nothing. 



Keep them erect for the first three days, and success is 

 certain. After the plants have been grafted ten days or 

 two w^eks, remove the single panes or the inside covering 



