GRAFTING 



THIS operation is of high importance in 

 practical gardening, for, although hun- 

 dreds of subjects can be raised from 

 cuttings, they cannot be rendered useful 

 for years ; while the same cutting grafted 

 on a vigorous stock might form a tree the 

 second year. The whole strength of the 

 stock may be thrown into the small piece 

 grafted on it, whereas if grown as a cutting 

 it could not grow at all until it struck 

 root, and even then but slowly, for a con- 

 siderable time. The advantages of grafting 

 are not limited to this nor any other, but are many. First, 

 it enables us to multiply any new or distinct variety to a 

 much greater extent than by any other means, because 

 a piece with a single bud on it is sufficient for a 

 graft. Secondly, it enables us, if desirable, to throw 

 greater or lesser nourishment or vigour into the graft, 

 according to the stock we place it on. Thirdly, it 

 enables us to change the variety of any tree, or shrub, or 

 plant already established, instead of removing the old tree 

 or shrub, and placing a new one in its stead. The manner 

 in which the operation is performed is adapted to the cir- 

 cumstances under which it is undertaken ; for instance, if 



