4<> PROPAGATION. 



commonly two or three, and sometimes more, which are called 

 piece-root grafts. Each portion of root should be about three 

 inches long, and the graft about five inches. 



The comparative advantages and disadvantages of whole- 

 root and piece-root grafting have been subject for controversy 

 ever since Thomas A. Knight introduced the latter in 1811. 

 It is apparent that the economy of piece root-grafting, in that 

 one root is made to serve as the foundation for several trees, 

 must commend it upon commercial grounds but it has advo- 

 cates who also strictly maintain that it produces as many and 

 as good roots as the whole-root process. The weight of evi- 

 dence, however, appears against it and there are few, prob- 



. 



FIG. 63. Whole Roots (Budded). 



ably, who at the same price would not prefer to try stock 

 which had been grafted or budded upon whole roots. 



Figs. 62 and 63 by Mr. L. H. Bailey show the characteristic 

 appearance of both processes. 



Root- grafting may be performed at any time during winter, 

 and those who have much of it to do often continue the pro- 

 cess the winter through. The roots when taken up in autumn 

 should be well washed, the tops cut off, and the roots packed 

 in boxes with alternate layers of damp moss. Thrifty one- 

 year roots are better and more easily worked than two-year 

 roots. Side roots, or branches, should never be used. . The 

 scions may be kept in the same way. This is better than 

 packing them in sand, which imparts a grit to them and dulls 



