THE PROPAGATION OF PLANTS 95 



grafting, while not common, are still common enough to have come 

 within the observation of most gardeners and others interested 

 in horticulture. With few exceptions plants would prefer to be 

 on their own roots and they make strenuous efforts to get there if 

 given a chance. 



Nevertheless, grafting is indispensable and few processes have 

 added more to the material welfare of mankind. We would be 

 in a poor way for Apples, Plums, Peaches, Pears, and Apricots, 

 not forgetting Lemons and Oranges, if we had to depend on other 

 methods. 



There are various methods of grafting and budding but both 

 depend on one thing and that is the union of the cambium layers 

 of stock and cion. The cambium layer lies between the bark and 

 the wood. It is here all annual growth is made. It is the center 

 of the plant's activities, the life center. A tree may be perfectly 

 hollow and live so long as the cambium: is uninjured. 



There is one essential that must never be lost sight of and that 

 is the stock and cion must be in about the same state of activity, 

 probably better if the stock is a little ahead of the cion. Even 

 though they be dormant both should be evenly matched when 

 working them. 



For indoor grafting the roots of the stock must be active, even 

 though the plant has otherwise made little growth. It is well, too, 

 that the cions be brought in a little time before being worked so as 

 to get some life into them. 



As to which method is adopted depends on the time of the year, 

 the kind of plant, the condition of the stock and cion, and the 

 object in view. Whatever is done it will take time and experience 

 to succeed. Indoor grafts, excepting conifers, may be waxed over, 

 tied up in bundles, and packed away in sphagnum moss until 

 united. Outdoor grafting should be done in springtime well near 

 the ground level and earthed up. There will be no need to wax 

 them over. Dormant stock grafted indoors in winter may be 

 stored in moist soil or sand until the time comes for planting them 

 out. 



Generally one must graft like on like, though there are exceptions, 

 for we are not limited to the same species or even genus. Some 

 plants are increased in vigor by the use of a stronger-growing species 

 or variety for a stock, and the reverse may happen. 



