26 THE NURSERY AND THE ORCHARD. 



GRAFTING. 



The propagation of fruit trees by grafting has been 

 practiced for a long period, and various methods have 

 been employed ; but as a few of the most useful and 

 practical, with slight variations, will be found sufl&cient 

 for most purposes, such methods only will be described 

 in this work. The process of grafting is so simple, and 

 the various results obtained from its application so satis- 

 factory, that every owner of fruit trees should under- 

 stand it perfectl3^ There is very little mystery con- 

 nected with the operation, and almost any person can, 

 in a short time, learn to graft successfully. 



The principal object of budding and grafting is to 

 propagate certain varieties which do not reproduce 

 themselves from seed; but they are also used for the 

 following other purposes : 



Dwarf Trees. — By grafting a scion from one tree into 

 another of less vigorous growth, the size is reduced, and 

 bearing hastened, as in the case of the pear on the 

 quince, making dwarf pear trees. 



Testing New Varieties. — A new variety grafted on the 

 limb of a bearing tree will often produce fruit the 

 second year, while, if a young seedling is used as a 

 stock, it may not bear in ten years. 



Several Kinds on the Same Tree. — Fine specimens of fruit 

 may be obtained from one tree during several months of 

 the year by grafting different kinds on the branches, 

 or a worthless kind may be changed to one of fine 

 quality by grafting a new head. 



Supplying Branches.— By grafting, trees with long 

 barren limbs may be supplied with branches in all 

 their parts. 



