GRAFTING. 33 



GRAFTING NEW HEADS ON OLD TREES. 



There is scarcely an object in nature more pleasing to 

 the sight than a well developed, symmetrical tree, laden 

 with its yearly tribute of bright and luscious fruit. 



But quite dififerent is the efiect produced by the tree 

 that is unproductive, fails to ripen its fruit in season, or 

 yields fruit so inferior in quality as to be utterly worth- 

 less. Still, the owner of such trees should not apply the 

 axe to them at once, if they are well grown and in a 

 thrifty condition, as there is within easy reach means 

 of utilizing the well developed bodies and wide-spreading 

 roots, and of converting the worthless fruit into a choice 

 variety ; but large trees, which bear fruit of fair quality, 

 ehould not be subjected to the process, as it is some- 

 times the case that they die from the effects of having so 

 much of the top pruned off. Death, however, will rarely 

 occur if the tree is in a thrifty condition and the opera- 

 tion is skillfully performed. 



A tree which is enfeebled from any cause should first 

 be invigorated by moderate pruning and good cultiva- 

 tion and manuring. 



Trees which are vigorous and well supplied with small 

 branches should have only a portion of their tops grafted 

 the first year. 



The remaining portion will make a vigorous growth 

 anc" will be in good condition for grafting the next year. 

 It is sometimes best to leave a portion to be grafted the 

 third year. 



GRAFTING NEW TOPS ON OLD TREES. 

 No limb as large as two inches in diameter should be 

 cut if it can be avoided. Let the scions be inserted in 



