PROPAGATION 55 



into the firmest pith. This will usually be the pith of the stock, 

 but it will depend on the varieties being grafted. The scion 

 is then pushed on to the wire and pressed down until it is in 

 contact with the stock. If the cuttings have large pith it is 

 better to use two pieces of wire, one placed in the stock first 

 and the other in the scion. 



"The length of wire to use will vary with the size and firm- 

 ness of the cuttings, but 2 inches will usually be found most 

 satisfactory. Wire of No. 17 gauge is the most useful size/' 



Making bundles. 



" If the grafts are to be planted out directly in the nursery, 

 they may be simply laid in boxes or trays, covered with damp 

 sacks, and carried out to be planted as soon as made. It is 

 usually better, however, to place them for several weeks in a 

 callusing bed before planting. In this case it is necessary for 

 convenience of handling to tie them up into bundles. No 

 more than twenty grafts should be placed in a bundle, and 

 ten is better. If the bundles are too large there is danger of 

 the grafts in the middle becoming moldy or dry. 



"A stand is very convenient. It consists of a piece of board 

 12 inches, on one end of which is nailed a cleat 6 inches by 4 

 inches and under the other end a support of the same size. 

 Two 4-inch wire nails are driven through the board from below, 

 4 inches apart and 5 inches from the cleat. Two other 4-inch 

 nails are driven similarly at li inches from the other end. The 

 grafts are laid on this stand with the scions resting against 

 the cleat, and are then tied with the two pieces of bluestoned 

 raffia that have previously been placed dbove each pair of 

 nails. This arrangement insures all the scions, and therefore 

 the unions, being at the same level, and puts both ties below 

 the union where they will not strain the graft. The tying is 

 more expeditious and less liable to disturb the unions than if 

 the bundles are made without a guide. 



