USE OF OIL IN WAX 83 



In this case the wax must be kept sealed to prevent 

 evaporation. When applied to the graft the alcohol evap- 

 orates and the wax hardens. 



Use of Oil in Wax. All grafting waxes should be made 

 with as little oil as possible. All light oils are very pene- 

 trating, and when used in waxes are liable to work through 

 the bark and injure the cambium layer. There is some 

 objection to using oil on the hands when applying the soft 

 wax, as in handling the cions some of the oil may be left 

 on the tender bark. In such cases it is well to handle the 

 wax with gloves, using the bare hands for setting the cions. 



Waxing Pot. Where the hard wax is used some pro- 

 vision must be made to keep it warm while being applied. 

 A special waxing pot as shown in D, Fig. 37, is used success- 

 fully in many places. An old coffee pot with a hole cut 

 in the side for a lamp, and a double boiler in the top works 

 admirably. An alcohol or kerosene burner keeps the water 

 hot, which in turn keeps the wax just soft enough to use 

 and not hot enough to injure the bark of the stock or cion. 

 For applying the wax a brush may be made from a piece of 

 branch and a few fibers cut from a manila rope. This 

 brush can be renewed every few hours and works even 

 better than a hair brush. 



Wax Formulae. There are various formulae used in 

 making hard wax, but the following works satisfactorily: 



Resin 2 pounds 



Beeswax 1 " 



Tallow (mutton or beef) \ " 



Turpentine 2 ounces 



