AGRICULTURAL BOTANY 163 



the scion has a smaller one. The two are then pressed 

 together, the tongue of the scion fitting into the slit of 

 the stock, and the two tied tightly together with waxed 

 cord, cloth, or paper. 



Root grafting by this method can be done indoors 

 in winter and is therefore an economical method for 

 the farmer. The stocks are usually seedlings of one 

 or two years' growth, dug in autumn and stored as 

 recommended for scions on page 159. When ready 

 for grafting, the roots are washed and pieces cut from 

 two to six inches long, stock and scion being about the 

 same length. After grafting as described above, the 

 grafts are packed away in moss, sawdust, or sand 

 in a cool cellar, about 40 F., and planted in the 

 spring. 



Notes. Grafting cord is made by soaking balls of common 

 wrapping twine in melted grafting wax. 



Grafting paper is made by painting thin wrapping paper with melted 

 grafting wax. Spread the paper on a heated board and apply the wax 

 melted sufficiently to spread easily. Thin muslin or calico is often 

 used instead of paper. 



Budding. -- This method of plant propagation is 

 increasing in favor because of its economy, inasmuch 

 as only one bud is needed for a scion, whereas in cleft 

 or whip grafting there must be two or three to insure 

 success. On the other hand, it is more expensive in 

 stocks because a seedling is required for each scion, 

 while in root grafting two or three can be made from 

 one seedling. 



The bud is taken from the current season's active 

 growth, that is, from July to September. In cutting 

 the bud it is best to remove with it a portion of the 



