30 THE BOOK OP ROSES. 



A month previously to grafting, it is desirable 

 to remove the thorns from the stock in such 

 parts as are selected for the grafts, that the 

 wounds produced by their removal may be 

 skinned over previously to the process. When 

 the branches are to be grafted, it is desirable, 

 as we have already stated, to choose a spot 

 nearest to the stem ; but when the stem itself 

 is chosen, grafts should be made at the same 

 level on opposite sides, in order that one liga- 

 ture may serve for two ; or, if the nature of the 

 bark renders this inexpedient, they should be 

 placed as nearly as possible together. When 

 a considerable number of stocks are to be 

 grafted, for expedition's sake, two persons 

 should be employed ; that one may prepare 

 the ligatures while the other is engaged in the 

 operation, the period favourable to the pro- 

 cess seldom extending beyond four or five days. 

 No time, indeed, should be lost in completing 

 each graft, lest the sun should dry up the sap 

 on the edges of the scutcheon, and prevent 

 them uniting. If the scions prepared are kept 

 for more than an hour after raising the bark, 

 they should be placed in the shade, with the 

 ends in water or wet moss, till wanted for use. 

 When the grafts intended for a dormant bud 

 are completed, the stock must be left unpruned, 

 and in a natural state ; lest the sap should fall 

 too actively on the graft and cause it to deve- 



