PROPAGATION OF PLANTS 



45 



grown for two years in the nursery rows, when they are 

 ready for sale. 



41. Root-Grafting. Seedling apples are grown for a 

 year in a rich soil. They are dug in the fall. The root-grafts 

 are made during the winter. After the fibers are removed 

 from the roots, they are cut into pieces about two inches 

 long. Smooth, one-year-old twigs of the desired variety 

 are cut into about six-inch lengths called dons. A slant- 

 ing cut is made on root and cion, and a slit is cut in each 

 so that they will fit close together (Fig. 24). This makes 

 three surfaces where the cambium layers meet. After 

 being put together, they 

 are wound with waxed 

 cord. This holds the 

 cambium layers so close 

 together that they can 

 unite. The wax on the 

 cord holds it so that 

 knots are unnecessary. 



The root -grafts are 

 put into bundles of about 

 fifty, and are packed in 

 sand in a cool cellar. 

 By spring the cambium 

 layers should be well cal- 

 loused. 



Peaches, cherries and 

 plums are not often root- 

 grafted. They do not heal 

 so readily as do apples and 

 pears. 



11 



Fio. 24. Root-grafting. A, cion; B, 

 root; C, Cion and root united, about nat- 

 ural siie; D, Root-graft completed, much 

 reduced in sise. 



