172 



POPULAR FRUIT GROWING. 



ful than if above the surface, and the resulting tree will be 

 hardier than if the union was above ground, since the weakest 

 point in a tree (the graft) will be protected by the earth. Of 

 course, very frequently it is impracticable to do the work in this 

 manner. The methods adapted for grafting below ground are the 

 same as for above ground, only not so much wax is required. 



In grafting below ground, it is important to remove the soil 

 until a smooth, straight place in the stem is found of sufficient 

 length to contain the cion. In the case of most fruits this is 

 preferably at the crown, i. e., where root and stem meet. It is 

 important, also, to keep the wounds free from dirt, for however 

 much it may help to have the whole graft covered in this way, 

 any soil on the cut surfaces will prevent that desirable close con- 

 tact of the cells which is necessary for successful work. When 

 grafting is done below ground, suckers will often start from the 

 stock in great numbers. These should all be removed or the 

 graft will be ruined. A little observation soon teaches one to 

 distinguish at a glance the sprouts from the 

 stock and cion. In removing these suckers, 

 they should be pulled away from the stock and 

 not simply cut off. Only one shoot should be 

 permitted to grow from each cion and this 

 should be the thriftiest and generally that 

 starting lowest down. The low'est is saved 

 because, wherever a shoot starts, there is gen- 

 erally a crook formed, and if near the ground it 

 is not unsightly. 



Night Cap is a term given to signify a paper 

 bag that is sometimes drawn over and tied be- 

 low a graft made in the open as soon as it is 

 completed. It is illustrated in Fig. 86. Its use 

 is to prevent the shriveling of the cion due to 

 exposure of drying winds. It is especially de- 

 sirable in top-grafting trees in dry seasons or 

 in exposed locations. It is a very valuable ad- 

 junct to the grafting outfit and its use should 

 fap. ' Graft be more general. Of course the bags should 

 protected by be rem oved as soon as the cions start and the 



paper bag. 



