PLANTING AND CARE OF TREES 



57 



knife into the stock. The knife is equipped with a short wedge 

 on the back of the extreme end of the blade. This wedge is used 

 to hold the slit open while the scion is adjusted. The slit may be 

 widened by simply pressing on the knife handle and after the 



Fig. 25. A Cleft Graft, before and after waxing. 



Fig. 26, A scion 

 for cleft-grafting. 



scion has been placed the pressure on the handle may be relieved 

 and the w^dge withdrawn. The pressure of the stock should be 

 sufficient to hold the scion in position. (See fig. 25.) 



The scion is cut in a sloping fashion at the base, or in the form 

 of a very thin wedge. The sloping part should be thicker on one 

 side than on the other. The shaping is usually done so that the 

 lowest bud will come on the thicker side and at a point about 

 opposite the upper part of the wedge. The upper j^art is cut off 

 squarely and at a point slightly above the third bud. (See fig. 26). 

 If scion wood is scarce two buds are sufficient to each scion. 

 The scion is adjusted so that the inner bark on the thicker side 

 comes in contact with the inner bark of the stock. The lower bud 

 comes about level or just below the surface of the stock and is 

 usually covered in the waxing process. The task is completed by 

 covering with wax all exposed cut surfaces. 



It is customary, with branches that are large enough, to insert 

 two scions. They should be set so that their thicker margins 

 will be on the outer side of the stock. The second graft affords 

 a double chance for success and it assists in healing up the wound. 



