FRUITS. 



5i 



they are not so easily prepared, and of no more utility than the 

 clay. Grafting can be performed close to the ground, and 

 earth drawn up round the junction, which will be as serviceable 

 as clay. 



Cleft G-rafting (Fig. 19) is another method of 

 operating upon, large trees, or stocks, where the 

 bark or rind is not too thick. The head of the 

 stock, or branch, being cut off smoothly, a slit 

 is made in the top of the stock with a strong 

 knife or chisel, deep enough to receive the scion, 

 which should be cut sloping, like a wedge, so 

 as to fit the slit made in the stock. The wedge 

 side, which is to be placed outward, is to be made 

 thicker than the other ; and in placing the scion 

 into the slit, it must be so adjusted that the rind 

 or inner bark of the scion joins that of the stock ; 

 for if these do not unite, the grafts will not succeed. When 

 the stocks are large, two grafts may be put in, (as represented 

 in the figure,) which tie firmly and clay over, as directed for 

 Whip Grafting. As there will be a greater body of clay, in 

 this case, it will be more liable to fall off; it will therefore be 

 necessary to wrap moss, soft hay, or pieces of cloth round the 

 balls, to prevent the rain destroying them. There are many 

 other methods of grafting, all on the same principle differently 

 applied. Some of our amateur correspondents, particularly 

 John A. Crawford, Esq., of Columbia, S. C, takes large limbs 

 two or three inches in diameter, and five to ten feet long, and 

 grafts them into other stocks. These limbs produce fruit the 

 same season. Koot grafting is also practised to a considerable 

 extent. Trees and stocks for grafting upon should always be 

 fully established before being operated upon, having had at 

 least one season's growth. Farmers may graft in every field 

 and hedge-row, and by every fence-rail. Fruit trees require 

 no more room than the cumberers of the ground in the shape 

 of saplings, briars, and thorns. Fruits make an ample return. 



