114 



MANUAL OF MODERN VITICULTURE. 



rain-water. It is only necessary in the case of grafts leaving 

 large sections bare, as happens when old stumps are grafted, 



ov when stocks are placed in 

 pebbly, stiff soils where they are 

 liable to dry quickly. 



On the contrary, when young 

 stocks are grafted with the whip- 

 tongue, or cleft method, in fresh, 

 mellowed soil not too damp, 

 waxing may be dispensed with,, 

 ^more especially if the ligature is 

 carefully made with raffia or 

 string. The substance which 

 has so far given the best results 

 is clay. It must be pure and 

 form a good paste, not too liquid, 

 and not cracking when worked. 

 It is applied in small quantities 

 on sections. 



Tin or lead foils are also used;, 

 placed under the ligature they 

 prevent desiccation, and, to a cer- 

 They are especially used with 



JL.6 



Fiir. 93. Cork Ligature. 



tain extent, root growth, 

 grafted cuttings. 



Resin putty, such as that of Lhomme-Lefort, gives good 

 results above ground, but has never succeeded under ground. 



?TH. CAHE TO BE GIVEN TO GRAFTS. 



(A) Earthing up and protection of grafts. As we have 

 shown above, a vine graft can only succeed under ground ; 

 however, it is made level with the ground, or slightly above 

 it. Therefore, to place the joint in good condition for growth 

 and to insure knitting, the soil should be heaped around 

 the plant ; a mound is formed with well-moulded soil so as 

 to leave only the last eye of the stock visible (Fig. 94). This 

 operation is done with a triangular hoe (Fig. 95), and should 

 be done very carefully, so as not to dislocate the joint. In 

 nurseries the earthing up is done in long ridges following 

 the line. 



The considerable development of the young shoots the first 

 year often occasions breakages, or displacement of the joint 

 in windy districts. The best way to avoid this accident is. 

 to tie the shoot to a small stake driven near the plant before 

 the mound is formed . 



