GARDEN AND OBCHARD. 269 



deal of the success depends on the skill of the 

 operator. The other essential conditions are affinity 

 between the species. We cannot be too careful in seeing 

 that the two portions are of such character to be 

 thoroughly suitable for the union we desire to perfect. 

 Vigour of the stock and graft, the condition of their 

 sap, their intimate union, the season, and the temperature 

 are other essential conditions for success in this 

 operation. 



Grafting Clay and Wax. Clay for grafting is 

 prepared by mixing one-third cow droppings, free from 

 straw, and two-thirds clay or clayey-loarn, where possible 

 adding a little hair, like that used in plaster, to prevent its 

 cracking. Beat and temper it for two or three days until it 

 is thoroughly incorporated. When used, the clay should be 

 of such consistency as to be easily put on and shaped as may 

 be desired. Grafting wax of excellent quality is made by 

 melting together three parts of beeswax, three parts of 

 rosin, and two parts tallow. While yet warm, it may be 

 worked with the aid of a little water like shoemaker's 

 wax, by the hand. Wax to be laid on with a brush in a 

 fluid state is made of half a pound of pitch, half a pound of 

 beeswax, and a portion of cow droppings, boiled together. 

 Another mixture, which is spread while warm on strips of 

 coarse cotton or strong paper, and wrapped directly about 

 the graft, answering at once to tie and protect it, is 

 composed of equal parts of beeswax, turpentine, and 

 rosin. And another grafting wax and suitable for laying 

 on strips of calico or paper is made of tallow, beeswax 

 and rosin in equal parts, or as many prefer, with a little 

 more tallow to render it pliable. Grafting wax is a much 

 neater and perfect protection than grafting clay, but the 

 trifling cost of the latter, where a great deal of work is 

 to be done, accounts for its greater use by nurserymen and 

 gardeners generally. The purpose of both is similar. It 

 is to prevent drying of the parts we have joined, and to 

 aid in keeping them in position, and the more carefully 

 these points are attended to, the more are we likely to be 

 successful in perfecting the work we are at. 



