HOW TO GROW GOOD OEC1IAHDS. 



329 



process of grafting to be able to do it himself or else 

 to properly direct others. 



In grafting, the first thing to be done is to secure, 

 good shoots from a healthy tree of 

 the sort you wish to grow — these 

 are called the " grafts." The stem 

 to receive the graft is called the 

 stock. Now a stock may be single, 

 in which case one graft will be 

 sufficient, as in the accompanying 

 diagram, or if an old tree has to 

 be grafted, a graft may be inserted 

 on as many branches as may seem 

 desirable. Our diagram repre- 

 sents the common practice of side 

 grafting, but different plans are adopted according 

 to the difference in size of the stock on the one 

 hand, and the graft on the other, the principle to be 

 aimed at in the process being to get as complete cm 

 apposition of as much of the wood and bark of the 

 graft, with that of the stock, as is possible by careful 

 cutting and fitting, and the tact and delicacy in 

 manipulating this matter make that successful 

 result which marks the good grafter. In this as 

 in other matters, practice and experience ensure 

 success ; and hence it is usually found expedient to 

 employ a person who makes it his profession, and 

 such are always to be obtained in cider countries. 



When the grafts have been fitted, they must be 

 kept in place by some plastic material, and that most 

 commonly used is a compost of cow-dung and clay, 

 well kneaded together, or merely chopped hay and 

 clay ; this is pressed round the united parts in the 



