186 SUCCESSFUL FRUIT CULTURE 



main root to about six to eight inches long. A cut is 

 then made just below the collar about an inch long, 

 as seen in Figure 93. A tongue is then cut at A B ; the 

 cion, Figure 94, a piece of the last season's growth of the 

 variety desired, is then taken, and a similar cut is 

 made at A B, the two being pressed together with the 

 cambium layers of both stock and cion in as close 

 contact as is possible, as seen in Figure 95. The graft is 

 then tied firmly and evenly with waxed string, waxed 

 cloth or raffia fiber. The success of the work depends 

 upon the smoothness of the cut, the perfection of the 

 union of the cambium layers, and close and firm tying. 

 To shut out the air and moisture from the grafted sur- 

 face and insure a more complete union, it is best to 

 cover the cut with grafting wax or with waxed cloth after 

 tying. After the grafts have been made they should 

 be packed in boxes in moist sand or fine sandy soil, 

 pressing the packing very firmly about the grafted 

 parts. After the box is filled it is placed in an upright 

 position, that any growth that may take place will 

 be toward the union of the graft. The grafts should 

 be planted as soon in the spring as the soil will work 

 up light and mellow, and they are best set with a 

 dibber or spade, the top bud being set at the level of 

 the grQund. 



In planting with the spade the blade is inserted 

 to its full depth, worked back and forth until the 

 desired space is made, when a graft is placed at each end 

 of the opening made, and one in the middle, thus setting 

 them about four inches apart, with the top bud just at 

 the surface of the soil. The spade is then again inserted 

 a few inches outside of this opening and the soil pressed 

 very firmly against the grafts. The soil should then 

 be trodden firmly on both sides. In taking the root 

 grafts from the boxes it is best to keep them in a pail 

 of water until they are planted. 



