GRAFTING. 



115 



(B) Severing roots from the 'scion and shoots from the stock. 



The joint should be examined at least once a month during 



the summer following the operation of grafting, so as to cut 



away roots grow- 

 ing on the scibn 

 and suckers grow- 

 ing from the stock. 

 The success of 

 grafting depends 



Fig. 94. Cleft Graft earthed up. 



Fig. 95. 



Triantrular Hoe used for 

 covering grafts with soil. 



in a great measure 

 on the performance 

 of this operation. 

 When the roots of 

 the scion are left 

 to develop, the vegetation of the stock diminishes, and the 

 growth of the part above ground is more rapid than that 

 under ground. This abnormal increase in size causes the 

 side of the cleft to split, and often results in complete dis- 

 jointing of a graft. However, even if this accident does 

 not occur, the liberation of the scion is always dangerous, 

 its roots develop at the expense of those of the stock which 

 are not sufficient to nourish the graft. (Fig. 96). 



If the suckers are not destroyed they develop at the ex- 

 pense of the shoot of the scion, which often does not knit, 

 or remains sickly, and sometimes withers. At the end of 

 August,* when it is possible to ascertain which grafts have 

 not knitted, the suckers of these are allowed to grow to form 

 grafting wood for the following year. In case these suckers 

 are not strong enough it is always possible to graft lower on 

 the stock, but this weakens the plants in some cases ; there- 

 fore grafting suckers should be preferred when possible. 



STH. CONDITIONS OF APPLICATION OF GRAFTING. 

 (A) Grafting cuttings. The grafting of cuttings gives 

 results varying with the soil and climate. It generally does 



* February in Victoria. 

 H 2 



