22 



ORCHARD FRUIT TREE CULTURE 



Our illustrations show clearly the modus operandi of grafting. 

 In Fig. SA the stock is shown, headed back to within a few inches, 

 and Fig. SB shows the same stock cut ready to receive the scion. 

 The white space up the centre is the pith ; the next slightly shaded 

 portion is the wood, and the outer, heavily shaded portion is the 

 bark. Between the bark and the wood lies a system of tissues, the 

 sap carriers, without which not a single slender twig or the mightiest 

 tree trunk could exist. These tissues play the most important part 



A=Slot 



FlG. 8. Binding. 



Whole covered in 

 with grafting wax 



in grafting ; it is through them that the union is effected, for the 

 scion has a " cambium " (the technical term) as truly as hath the 

 stock. The corresponding system of both being brought into 

 juxtaposition and secured, that of the stock being the more dominant, 

 is the vital principle of the operation. 



In Fig. QA we see the scion as cut from the tree ; and in Fig. 96 

 as cut ready for fitting on to the stock. Looking closely at this figure 

 you will see a tongue, formed at the upper portion of the cut, and 

 on Fig. SB you will see a notch cut at the corresponding position, 

 into which this tongue is fitted, the tongue and notch being aids to 



