46 GRAFTING. 



second, that the forming- wood may flow downward 

 uninterruptedly through the inner bark. 



To effect these two requisites, it is needful, jfrff, 

 that the operation be performed with a sharp knife, 

 that the vessels and pores may be cut smoothly and 

 evenly, and the two parts be brought into immedi- 

 ate and even contact. Secondly, that the operation 

 be so contrived that a permanent and considerable 

 pressure be applied to keep all parts of these cut 

 faces closely together. Thirdly, that the line of 

 division between the inner bark and the wood, 

 should coincide or exactly correspond in each ; for 

 if the inner bark of the one sets wholly on the 

 wood of the other, the upward current through the 

 wood and back through the bark, is broken, and 

 the graft cannot flourish nor grow. And, fourthly, 

 that the wounded parts made by the operation, be 

 effectually excluded from the external air, chiefly 

 to retain a due quantity of moisture in the graft, 

 but also to exclude the wet, until, by the growth of 

 the graft, the union is effected. 



1. The first requisite is best attained by keeping 

 a keen, flat-bladed knife to cut the faces, and 

 another knife for other purposes. 



2. The second requires that the jaws of the stock 

 in cleft-grafting; press with some force, but not too 

 much, against the wedge-shaped sides of the graft. 

 A stock one-third of an inch in diameter will some- 

 times do this sufficiently ; but three-quarters of an 



