386 THE NURSERY-MANUAL 



performed not less than 18 inches above ground in order to avoid 

 subsequent winter-injury to the smooth trunks forming above the 

 point of union. Obviously crown- or root-grafts are most suscep- 

 tible to this trouble. Trees worked low should be given a winter 

 wrapping of wooden veneer, heavy paper, burlap, or similar material 

 for four to six years, or until the natural protection of rough bark 

 is developed. Cions of last year's growth cut while dormant and 

 held in storage may be used in early spring for grafting or to afford 

 buds for early summer budding. For late summer budding, bud- 

 sticks may be cut from the earliest of the current season's growth. 

 In the South, root-grafting is usually performed from January to 

 March ; in the North from March to May, depending on weather 

 and soil conditions. For nursery grafting the tongue-graft is most in 

 use. With larger stocks, especially in top-working, the bark- or slip- 

 bark-graft gives maximum results. Dormant budding in late 

 winter or early spring is successful at the hands of skilled operators. 

 Later budding may be by the annular or patch methods. Special 

 tools have been devised for these methods by which amateurs soon 

 become successful. No matter what method may be employed in 

 propagating the pecan, subsequent care in unwrapping, rewrapping, 

 removing the wrapping, necessary shading, staking to prevent 

 the new top from blowing out, pruning, guarding against insects, 

 and the like, are equally important to initial operation. 



Propagation is sometimes accomplished by cuttings taken from 

 the ends of soft growing roots. See Hickory. 



Pelargonium (Geranium. Stork's Bill). Geraniacece. 



Seeds, sown in light soil with mild heat, are sometimes employed. 

 Commonly increased by cuttings of firm shoots, which grow readily 

 (Figs. 119, 121). The common geraniums, for conservatory use, 

 should be renewed from cuttings every year. Cuttings of the zonal 

 or "fish" geraniums are mostly taken from stock plants grown in 

 the open and lifted in autumn. The fancy or show geraniums are 

 grown from cuttings taken after blooming, and sometimes from 

 root-cuttings, but often will not come true. Geraniums can 

 also be grafted, the named varieties being worked on related stocks. 

 (See page 165, Herbaceous Grafting.) 



Pelecyphora (Hatchet Cactus). Cactacece. 



Handled by seeds in moderate heat, and by cuttings made of any 

 small shoots that arise from the base. See also Cacti. 



