TYING OF GRAFTS. 13 



who ties : the man being now prepared, he should 

 begin to tie about four stocks behind the grafter, 

 and keep about that distance, which will give the 

 grafter room. 



The bass should be placed firm against the 

 bottom of the scion, and not let slip, which will 

 prevent the scion from being put out of its place; 

 this is very necessary to be observed, for if the 

 scion is removed by the tying, it is useless for 

 the grafter to be particular about putting the 

 grafts on ; he should then tie it tight round till 

 it comes to the top of the stock, where it should 

 have a tight hitch to fasten off, then cut the end 

 of the bass close off, for if the end is left an inch 

 long, which I have often seen, it prevents the 

 clay from being properly closed, consequently 

 admitting the air to the graft, which often proves 

 fatal. 



The next thing is putting on the clay, com- 

 monly called dabbing : this is done by a boy who 

 follows the man who ties ; having put his clay 

 into something to carry it with him, he must take 

 a small piece of clay sufficient to cover the whole 

 of the incision, and to come about half an inch 



