THE STEM 59 



ated, so that the two branches can be brought into close 

 contact taking care that the selected branches are of 

 nearly the same thickness at the points where they are 

 to be operated upon. Devise some means whereby the 

 two plants, or at least the two selected branches, may 

 be firmly secured, so that the scion may be kept in 

 position on the stock. The method of doing this will 

 depend on the size and character of the two plants ; 

 merely binding the two branches together will be 

 sufficient in many cases, or, if the stock is a large tree 

 and the plant providing the scion is contained in a pot, 

 the latter can be secured to the trunk or to a branch of 

 the stock. Having made these preparations, cut away 

 a piece of the stock at the selected point, removing 

 from two to four inches of the bark with a little of the 

 wood below it, taking care that the cut is smooth and 

 even. Make a similar cut on the scion, in such a 

 position that the two cut surfaces may be brought into 

 close contact and will fit together fairly well. Bring the 

 two surfaces together, secure them in position by means 

 of strong, soft twine tied both above and below the 

 place operated upon, and, finally, wrap a strip of bud- 

 ding-tape firmly around the united branches covering 

 the junction completely ; the edges of the tape should 

 overlap, so as to prevent the evaporation of moisture 

 from the cut surfaces, or the access of rain-water to the 

 joint. It is not necessary to tie the budding-tape, for 

 the end will remain in place if pressed down on the 

 surface of the tape bandage, the wax holding it securely. 

 Everything being properly and securely fixed, leave the 

 plants for a sufficient time for union to take place and 



